A Visual History of the Future

Decades ago, artists’ imaginings formed high expectations about the world to come. Were these just fantasies–or was it the work of pioneers whose visions of the future actually helped to shape it?
Darren Garrett

Disability Futures

We can’t think about the future-of health, of technology, of community-without centering disability; it cuts across every other kind of experience. Disability is central to all of our lives.
Kenny Fries

A Noxious Problem

Smog in cities and smoke in the home cause a huge range of short- and long-term health conditions. Why is the world’s biggest public health crisis only getting worse?
How We Get To Next

Beats: Space

Space is where we project our dreams–and our nightmares–of the future.

Beats: Food

Food structures our day, and food systems shape our world

Beats: Disability

“Disable” is an active verb, and disability describes the social and environmental barriers that prevent access just as much as an individual body’s physical reality.

Beats: Health

Access to health care is as much a matter of public policy as it is the size of a person’s pocketbook; within a doctor’s office, many factors affect the quality of treatment.

In Praise of SETI@home

The screen saver helped scientists search for extraterrestrial life-and made the early web feel like a more idealistic, collaborative space.
Caroline Crampton
3 min read

This Knowledge From 40,000 Years Ago Is Saving River Systems

Scientists are working with indigenous communities for better water management.
Robyn Hopcroft
2 min read

The Evolving Battle for Urban Public Space

Social spaces are the beating heart of our cities–and a constant source of conflict and tension.
James Gleave
4 min read