Exkursion to Next Nature Museum

On the last day of our trip, we visited the Next Nature Museum in Eindhoven. This international Future Lab for design and technology explores the increasing fusion of nature and technology. Through exhibitions, publications, educational programs, and events, the Next Nature Museum invites visitors to engage with future scenarios. Thought-provoking questions arise: How will we live and produce in the future? Can we grow meat without slaughtering animals? What happens when the artificial is perceived as natural? The current exhibition, Space Farming, particularly fascinated us. It not only showcases how we can sustainably feed a growing global population but also examines the role of biotechnology, synthetic food, and closed-loop systems in future societies—whether on Earth or another planet.
Visitors can interactively explore speculative food concepts and discover that these technologies are no longer just visions of the future but are already being researched and, in some cases, realized. The idea of growing materials rather than industrially producing them is relevant not only in food production but also in other design fields, such as product design. A compelling example is the Rayfish Footwear project, which experimented with the concept of growing sneakers from genetically modified stingray leather. While ultimately an artistic concept, it introduced a thought-provoking perspective: Could we one day cultivate shoes or clothing directly in the desired shape instead of assembling them from separate materials? Beyond the technological and scientific aspects, our museum visit also offered a meditative experience: the Breathing Session by Geoffrey Lillemon. This digital meditation combined sound, visual effects, and spatial design to create an immersive atmosphere that encouraged mental relaxation. It was the perfect way to unwind and reflect on our visit before the long drive home.