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The term 'evolution' is most commonly associated with biology and the theory of Charles Darwin. However, evolution is a part of various scientific fields, including the evolution of sociology, psychology, economic evolution, and so on. Matt Ridley even proposes a 'theory of the evolution of everything.' He introduces the concept that evolution is not merely a phenomenon of the natural sciences and that Darwin’s Origin of Species describes only a special case of the many evolutions taking place.
According to Ridley, a similar evolution can be found in culture, society, technology, linguistics, law, education, politics, and morality. Ridley’s concept of a general theory of evolution suggests that things do not remain the same; they change gradually but inexorably, exhibiting 'selective persistence.
Thesis
We find ourselves in a period of fundamental social shifts, co-defined by the term 'crisis.' Energy, climate, security, information, social, and societal crises. This exerts pressure on adaptability—the basic prerequisite for evolutionary development. These changes seep into our daily lives, and we must adapt to them, create new connections, find new points of support, and react to new needs. The new situation alters behavioral models, forms of communication, and morality. In periods of fundamental change, culture plays a key role, defining the character of how we cope with the situation and which direction further development—our evolution—will take, whether on an individual or societal level.
Assignment
The goal of the assignment is to respond to the current situation through design thinking and, via the project, take the next 'evolutionary step' at various levels. This can range from a small pragmatic change of a technological or material nature to more complex projects and visions that may be speculative, answering the question: 'What if?'
We expect an individual approach and the definition of a problem based on original research, presenting proposals or solutions with the ambition to contribute to the discussion on possible societal development. However, the project may also reflect your personal evolution from the perspective of your creative practice or life. We define moral and ethical criteria as the fundamental pillar of the proposed changes, as these are often the weakest link in evolutionary direction during periods of crisis.
List of Students: Adriána Adamová, Ján Cibuľka, Lenka Ingeliová, Elisabeth Klug, Adam Kukuc, Jaroslava Labudová, Veronika Majerčíková, Béla-Blue Nitlich, Liubov Shestakova, Kristína Vavrová, Erik Vrábel,
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