Future is Now: Embracing a Sustainable Lifestyle through Circular Design

Living Lab: A Step Towards Responsible Consumption and Production

The Future is Now event, designed by Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan, aims to provide a platform for individuals interested in shifting towards a sustainable lifestyle. Aligned with the 2019 SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production theme, the event brings together pioneers in the field to share knowledge, insights, and plan for small changes that can be achieved in our daily lives. Held at the Hua Shan Art Station in Taipei, this event encourages attendees to embrace a healthier society.

The construction of the Living Lab involved not only professional construction workers but also designers and university students, spreading awareness of circular design. The construction site implemented a less-landfill concept, ensuring that the majority of waste was sorted for recycling. Second-hand wooden pallets were cleaned and sanded for public safety, while recycled film was rolled and tied with a recyclable plastic band to create lighting fixtures.

The Living Lab boasts a width of 11.2 meters, a length of 16 meters, and a ceiling height of 3 meters. These specifications provide ample space for various activities and events during the program. Vertical installations of wooden pallets by the windows create space for indoor plants, while movable modular furniture made from wooden pallets offers flexible seating options. A large lighting installation, created from recycled film sourced from an LED screen, serves as the focal point and sets the atmosphere during the program. All elements in the space will be recycled or reused after the event.

The Hua Shan Art Station, originally built in 1937 as a freight station, was repurposed for cultural and creative activities in 2016. The Future is Now program transformed the interior of the building, incorporating green architecture and circular building design ideas. Passive design strategies, material selections, extending product lifespan, and modular design were utilized to create a space that promotes sustainability.

Future is Now is an experimental event in Taipei City, sharing the idea of the Circular Economy in Taiwan and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle. The event, held from July 18th to October 31st, 2019, at Hua Shan Art Station, featured the main venue named "Living Lab." This venue hosted lectures and sharing events for the general public, raising awareness about the possibility of incorporating circular ideas into their lifestyle.

Future is Now Living Lab serves as a beacon for those in Taipei City seeking new ideas for a sustainable lifestyle and circular economy. The interior space is created using refurbished and recycled materials, allowing visitors to experience the potential of circular design. Constructed with a no-landfill waste concept, this space embodies the principles it promotes. The event hosted more than 20 lectures and workshops about the circular economy, inspiring attendees to embrace a more sustainable future.

Image Credits: Daisuke Nagatomo

Awards and Accolades: This Design was awarded Bronze in A' Sustainable Products, Projects, and Green Design Award in 2020. The Bronze A' Design Award recognizes outstanding and creatively ingenious designs that authenticate experience and resourcefulness. Esteemed for incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology, these designs exhibit strong technical and creative skills and contribute to quality of life improvements, making the world a better place.