010: Embracing the Future - Optimism, Innovation, and Sustainability
010: Embracing the Future - Optimism, Innovation, and Sustainability
Exploring Hopeful Novels • Sustainable Travel Destinations • Innovations in Design • Art and Music Releases • Bio Architecture
Welcome to the 10th edition of the hinter planet. This month, we’re diving into optimism and the bright possibilities that lie ahead. From novels that envision a hopeful future to groundbreaking innovations in sustainability and design, let’s explore the positive strides being made around the world.
Optimistic Novels About Our Future
As we navigate the complexities of the present, literature can offer us a glimpse into a brighter tomorrow. Here are some North American, Scandinavian, and Japanese novels that paint an optimistic picture of the future:
• “The Ministry for the Future” by Kim Stanley Robinson: A hopeful vision of how humanity can tackle climate change and build a sustainable future.
• “Pacific Edge” by Kim Stanley Robinson: Another Robinson classic, this novel explores a utopian community in California, focusing on environmental sustainability and community living.
• “Memory of Water” by Emmi Itäranta: A Finnish novel that, despite its dystopian setting, emphasizes hope and resilience through the protagonist’s journey.
• “The Summer Book” by Tove Jansson: A Swedish classic that, while not set in the future, exudes a profound sense of peace, connection with nature, and timeless wisdom.
• “The Emissary” by Yoko Tawada: A novel set in a post-apocalyptic Japan that, through its child protagonist, radiates hope and the potential for renewal.
• “1Q84” by Haruki Murakami: While complex, Murakami’s novel carries themes of love and human connection that are ultimately optimistic about humanity’s future.
Oxman architects: on design for the future.
Neri Oxman is a pioneering architect, designer, and professor known for her groundbreaking work at the intersection of architecture, biology, computing, and materials science. She leads the Mediated Matter research group at the MIT Media Lab, where she explores how digital fabrication technologies and bio-inspired design can revolutionize the built environment.
Oxman’s work is characterized by the integration of natural and digital processes, often drawing inspiration from the structural and functional complexities found in nature. Some of her notable projects include:
• Silk Pavilion: A dome structure created with the help of 6,500 silkworms, demonstrating a novel approach to construction that combines computational design and biological fabrication.
• Aguahoja: An installation series made from biodegradable composites derived from natural materials like chitosan, cellulose, and pectin, showcasing the potential of environmentally responsive design.
• Mushtari: A wearable structure designed to house living organisms that produce beneficial substances for the wearer, exemplifying Oxman’s vision of symbiotic relationships between humans and their environments.
Through her innovative work, Neri Oxman is redefining the future of architecture by pushing the boundaries of material science and digital fabrication, aiming to create sustainable, responsive, and adaptive structures that harmonize with the natural world.
If you are ever interested in a short story about Oxman and her work, we love the Netflix episode about Oxman from the series “Abstract: The Art of Design”
Art and Sound:
In the realm of art and music, creativity is flourishing. Here are some new and old releases that inspire us:
Music: Check out the latest album by Nils Frahm, whose minimalist compositions evoke a sense of calm and contemplation, perfect for slow living.
hinter collaboration with Stamatios: Stamatios, a Montreal artist whose works are featured in some of our hinter spaces, has created a playlist for hinter. This collection of music is designed to help you delve, relax, and “search for light”. Here’s the result, crafted to elevate your moments of reflection and relaxation.
Art: Yayoi Kusama’s new exhibition, “Infinity Mirrors,” continues to captivate audiences with its immersive, reflective installations that inspire introspection and wonder.
Sustainable Travel Destinations
If you’re planning your next getaway, consider these sustainable travel destinations around the world that emphasize eco-friendly practices and slow living:
• Scandinavia: Explore the fjords of Norway with eco-friendly tour operators that prioritize conservation and sustainability.
• Japan: Visit the traditional inns (ryokan) in the Japanese countryside, which offer sustainable practices and a deep connection to nature.
• North America: Discover the beauty of British Columbia’s Gulf Islands, where you can stay in eco-friendly lodges and participate in local conservation efforts.
• Costa Rica: Known for its incredible biodiversity, Costa Rica offers eco-lodges and sustainable tours in places like Monteverde and the Osa Peninsula.
• New Zealand: Experience the breathtaking landscapes and eco-friendly accommodations in regions like the Bay of Islands and Fiordland National Park.
• Iceland: From geothermal energy to sustainable fishing practices, Iceland is a leader in sustainability, with eco-friendly stays and tours across the country.
• Botswana: Explore the Okavango Delta with safari operators that focus on conservation and support local communities.
• Slovenia: Discover green tourism in Slovenia’s Lake Bled, where eco-friendly hotels and sustainable practices are a priority.
• Bhutan: Visit Bhutan, where sustainable tourism is a national policy, and the country measures success through Gross National Happiness.
DIY: Create Your Own Indoor Garden
Bringing a bit of nature indoors can significantly enhance your living space and well-being. Here’s a simple guide to creating your own indoor garden:
1. Choose Your Plants: Select low-maintenance plants like succulents, ferns, and pothos that thrive indoors.
2. Find the Right Containers: Use recycled containers or ceramic pots with good drainage.
3. Create a Watering Schedule: Regularly water your plants, but be mindful of their specific needs—some may require less frequent watering.
4. Position for Light: Place your plants in areas with adequate natural light, but avoid direct sunlight for those that prefer shaded environments.
As we close this edition, let’s carry forward the optimism and hope for a sustainable, innovative, and connected future. Whether through literature, design, travel, or personal projects, there are countless ways to embrace the bright possibilities ahead.
The future is bright.
Any thoughts provoked? Ideas sparked? Any corners of the internet worth sharing? Join the conversation and drop a comment below.
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