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Exploring the Themes of the More than Human Exhibition at the Design Museum

  • Writer: Sarah Kay
    Sarah Kay
  • Sep 26
  • 2 min read

Yesterday afternoon, I enjoyed a delightful visit to the 'More than Human' exhibition at The Design Museum. This exhibition explores the concept of design by envisioning what it would be like if we considered animals and plants in the design process, rather than focusing solely on humans.


Text on wall with title "MAKING WITH THE WORLD" discusses designing with nature, biodiversity, and holistic approaches in design.

These were among my favorite exhibits, showcasing excellent ideas for boosting biodiversity and improving ecosystems.


1 Partial reconstructin of Alusta Pavillion - Suomi/Koivisto Architects

Brick walls with square holes form a corner room, featuring green plant photos. Overhead pipes and warm lighting create an industrial vibe.
Partial reconstruction of brick/wood shelther /insect/funghi habitat

I particularly appreciated this creative approach to insect, fungi, and plant shelters that also offers protection for humans. The bricks are made from locally sourced clay, wood, and biochar, and over several seasons, they transform into a habitat for the local garden and insect communities. The original structure was located in the courtyard of the Museum of Finnish Architecture and the Design Museum in Helsinki.


2 The Chair - Marlene Huissoud


Working alongside scientists, Marlene Huissard has designed a chair that offers habitats for solitary bees, wasps, and butterflies, with the hole sizes and binder colors selected to attract these particular insects.


Unique white chair with black holes, resembling coral, on an orange platform. Geometric patterns in the background create a modern art vibe.
How a chair would look if designed specifically for nesting insects.

  1. Pollinator Pathmaker: Perceptual Field - Alexandra Daisy Ginsburg

Colorful mural of dense wildflowers in purples, reds, and greens, covering a wall. No visible text. Vibrant and lively atmosphere.
Planting design for pollinating insects

This tapestry illustrates a garden crafted with pollinators in mind, utilisng an algorithm that designs to provide food and shelter for them. The colors are displayed as insects perceive them, rather than humans.


4 Apical #6 - Diana Scherer

Worn, textured fabric with frayed edges in beige and green tones hangs against a plain white background, giving a rustic, aged appearance.
Wall hanging grown from plant roots

This wall hanging was cultivated from plant roots, providing insight into underground networks and their capacity to adapt to or disregard human-imposed pathways.


5 Accalmie (Period of Calm) Stool 18 - Corentine Mahieu


A large wooden table with a textured top and intricate grid-like base. Two cylindrical stone objects nearby. Neutral-toned room.

The base of this table is crafted from Belgian beech, while the tabletop and stools are made from mycelium, the root-like structure of fungi. Currently, it is in a dormant state but can be reactivated for modifications or repairs.


I believe this exhibition is truly enlightening, demonstrating what can be accomplished when humans need step back in the design process.



 
 
 

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