The State Library of Queensland will host a contemporary Australian design exhibition beginning 1 November that will showcase the role of design in sustainable and healthy futures.

‘CUSP: Designing into the Next Decade’ features the work of 12 designers who are developing creative solutions to some of the big challenges we face today and into the future.

State Librarian and CEO Janette Wright said State Library was pleased to host the Brisbane show of this prestigious, nationally touring exhibition developed by Object: Australian Design Centre.

“CUSP is a bold and stimulating exhibition, sure to ignite curiosity and spark the imagination of all our visitors — from inquisitive children through to professional designers,” said Wright.

From data visualisation to social robotics, CUSP covers the full breadth of design, showcasing some of the most exciting ideas currently being explored by Australian designers.

Visitors can explore the work of Chris Bosse, an architect who designs sustainable buildings and future cities by creating architectural technologies inspired by structures in nature such as soap bubbles, snowflakes and spider webs.

Watch Chris Bosse discuss architecture and his project for CUSP below:

Ecological designer and sustainability planner, Stephen Mushin will ask visitors to think bigger, more imaginatively, and more creatively about sustainability by suggesting we look closer at ecological machines.

Watch Mushin discuss industrial design and his project for CUSP below:

Global architect, Anupama Kundoo is also involved in the exhibition and her exhibit will address the future of sustainable architecture and how we can make it compatible for all socio-economic groups.

The 12 designers and their topics

Leah Heiss - Can design humanise medical technologies?

  • Chris Bosse - Can cities be organisms that respond and adapt to their environment?
  • Healthabitat - Can design help prevent people from getting sick?
  • Mari Velonaki - Can design help prevent people from getting sick?
  • MaterialByProduct - Can clothing accumulate experience and memories over time?
  • Greg More - How can data help us make sense of our complex world?
  • George Khut - Can interactive art and design reduce the pain and anxiety experienced by children undergoing painful medical procedures?
  • Stephen Mushin - Can we think bigger, more imaginatively, and more creatively about sustainability? Could epic ecological machines be the answer?
  • Alison Page - What is Australian style and how does Aboriginality fit within our design identity?
  • Anupama Kundoo - How can we create a common standard for ‘sustainable’ architecture that works for both rich and poor?
  • Super Critical Mass - Can design change the way we listen? Can listening change the way we design?
  • Florian ‘Floyd’ Mueller - How can design harness the power of play?

An exhibition, a laboratory and an opportunity for learning and experiencing new ideas, CUSP will take us beyond what we believe is possible when we think of design today.

CUSP: Designing into the Next Decade will be at State Library of Queensland from 1 November 2014 to 8 February 2015. Visit http://cusp-design.com/for more details.