Brain Waves

“Brain Waves” is the final instalment in a trilogy of exhibitions presented by Central Saint Martins as part of the London Design Festival. Taken together, these three exhibitions make a compelling argument about the role of design in engaging with our uncertain futures.

The complexities of contemporary life demand new ways of thinking therefore diversity of approach is essential. Brain Waves maps out four territories: ‘Creative Forensics’, ‘Empathic Invention’, ‘Haptic Thinking’ and ‘Shifting Reality’. The aim is not only to show how different types of design intelligence are applied to process and object, but also their wider potential and application. Design is not the route to more things and new aesthetics, it is a key to making sense of the world.

Chinese Dream is a graphic novel based on the experience of Zhiwen Tang’s father. Having contributed to the construction industry for more than 40 years, his father witnessed China’s transition from the post-Maoist era to ‘Socialism with Chinese Characteristics’. Neurogastronomy is a set of tools to support the cognitive behavioural therapy for othorexia nervosa, a seemingly paradoxical eating disorder in which sufferers restrict their diet based not on quantity of food but on quality.

The Dementia Simulator  provides a way to experience a variety of the disease’s symptoms, not only engaging empathy but also offering the user a route to reflect practically on future care.  Independent Labour  explores a future scenario in which National Health Service is fully privatised and people have to pay for services at the point of use. The project provides the provocative Birth Box with all the instruments and instructions you need to fully prepare and give birth unaided at home.

until 29 October 2016
Brain Waves
curated by Tricia Austin, Stephen Beddoe, Caroline Broadhead, Hywel Davies, Paul De’Ath, Melanie Dodd, Simon Fraser, Kieren Jones, Peter Hall, Andreas Lang, Anne Marr, Chris New, Ulrike Oberlack, Anthony Quinn, Nick Rhodes, Rebecca Ross, Anne Smith, Jeremy Till, Willie Walters
London Design Festival 2016
Lethaby Gallery and Windows Galleries
Central Saint Martins, London