Pollution is a major issue in the world today, which is why I focused on it for my Design and Survive project. Through my research I found that both disruptive technologies and circular economy could be factors in reducing the emissions and making our planet cleaner. Implementing circular economy is something every city should be doing. By using the subscription of circular economy cities would be able to upscale and reuse bricks for their new developments, they could encourage more usage of bikes, that would result in decarburization and cleaner air, and simply looking at the long term vision of how to make a cleaner and smarter environment for its people. 

I think it is so remarkable how as we evolve, so do our technologies. I think that was what inspired me the most during this time. Some things made me angry, others made me eager for what is happening, what is to come, and what will one day be. It comes to show how technologies can bring out different emotions in

people, even though technology, machines, robots etc. are not conscious beings, which is fascinating to me. I feel like a lot of people see the Internet as good vs. evil. While some like to focus on the positive aspects of it- others only look at the negatives.

On one hand I believe in the good of the digital world: that it is there to help us feel connected, to facilitate our days, to entertain, to learn, and to repair us. There is so much good that has come from invention and innovation through the digital world. One of my favourite finds was the “ili wearable translator”; it is helping us communicate with those who do not speak the same language as us, it is breaking down the language barriers, and bringing us together. I undeniably see the togetherness and closeness that this digital world has to offer.

On the other hand I see the “evil” in it: taking advantage of the sources we have in order to create something that could be quite destructive- artificial intelligence taking over people’s jobs. My research on artificial intelligence was eye opening. I believe that we are living in a digital world- thinking otherwise is naïve- but where does it become illogical and controversial? Will we cross the line when it comes to artificial intelligence? Thinking of a parallel world in which AI runs society, is truly, terrifying.  I believe that everything in moderation is respectable, and I also believe that there are a lot better things that can be done with technology, than to create robots that will in turn lead to the collapse of our economy.

The digital and nature are undoubtedly fussing into one; will we be able to tell them apart? Better yet, will we be able to tell each other apart? I learnt a lot through this process, although I think I should have done more research that relates directly to my studio work, that way I could have maybe implemented those ideologies onto my work. Nevertheless, I think that I am now able to form my own educated, cohesive opinions about

certain aspects of this crazy, exciting, terrifying world we call The Digital.

Olivo, Margherita. "Breaking Language Barriers | Next Nature Network." Next Nature Network. 13 Jan. 2016. Web. 14 Jan. 2016.

"Film Review: 'Ex Machina'" Variety. 16 Jan. 2015. Web. 12 Dec. 2015.