Our senses offer unique ways in which we understand the world that have potential to instigate change through their varying modes of perception. Currently, the role of sound is often under-utilised within a visually orientated world. How then might we explore thinking through sound as a design tool to cultivate care towards socially and environmentally sustainable futures?

Centred around care, this work first considers ways in which we obtain knowledge through the world of sound. This is then investigated further through critically reflecting on literature within design philosophy, sound studies and beyond, considering how the role of sound may be embedded within the way design interacts with the world. Through these reflections on sound across time to the phenomenon of wonderment, this work is essentially an enquiry into relations and the ways we experience knowledge beyond that which is seen whereby design may begin to consider vibrations of care.

The entanglements of socio-ecological crises are increasingly being referred to as a crisis of culture. This reflects a need to shift existing Western socio-cultural narratives that perpetuate detrimental and unjust systems that have global ramifications. Sonic perspectives are uniquely positioned to provide alternative narratives and insights though are seldom utilised in discursive design. How then might an inclusion of sound and listening practices within design provide alternative insights and imaginaries for socio-ecologically just and sustainable futures?

This work addresses narratives engaging a socio-ecological imaginary through sonic approaches to design and further theoretical enquiry. Three outputs were produced seeking to create community around alternative ways of thinking. These are presented as an accepted conference paper abstract, a soundwalk proposal and an essay for FIBER Reassemble Lab’s Medium. It then surveys example initiatives such as Regenerative Futures and Superflux regarding their speculative, imaginative and transdisciplinary approaches whilst consulting the theoretical positions of discursive design, sound studies and wider sustainability discourses.

My core research intentions are to explore alternative ways of thinking and being that provide fertile ground to conceive of alternative ways of doing. With an academic and personal background in music, my research focus broadly spans speculative exploration of socio-ecologically just futures through sonic and design practices. Where design is often a visually dominated discipline, my work explores how the utilisation of sonic perspectives within design may create space to aid in crafting alternative narratives that shape our collective futures toward sustainable imaginaries and ultimately, realities. My research operates primarily at the intersections of design, sound, futures and sustainability.

Research interests include:

• Design Ontology
• Design Anthropology
• Design Futures
• Meta-Design
• Speculative Design
• Sound Studies
• Environmental Humanities
• Ecomusicology & Ecoacoustics

My upcoming work for our final MA Sustainable Design master project is tentatively titled ‘Designing Infrastructures of Care: A Sonic Exploration of Slowness and Connection for Socio-Ecologically Just Futures’. It will explore themes of temporality, listening, narratives and socio-ecological care.