In essays, interviews, and provocative imagery, this book explores the changing force of design in the contemporary world, and expands the definition of design to include the built environment, transportation technologies, revolutionary materials, energy and information systems, and living organisms.

"Utopianism is not dead; it has migrated from politics to materialism. This book, says Canadian industrial designer Mau (who founded Toronto City College's Institute Without Borders), is 'not about the world of design; it's about the design of the world.' In a form that is part Apple ad, part Powerpoint presentation and part architectural pastiche la Rem Koolhaus, Mau's volume brings together designs and theories (mostly Western) and photographers (global) that 'tap into global commons,' 'distribute capacity' and 'embrace paradox': superstrong fibers modeled on gecko hairs; 'sustainable business' that embraces corporate accountability; the 'redesigning' of Third World property law; genetic engineering, macro- and microimaging technologies; virtual reality technology that allows collaboration over large distances; a 'cyberneticized' military that paradoxically has more nonviolent options. All of these ideas (some of which are now reality) are here in words and pictures, often further explained through q&a's with leading researchers. The result reads, intentionally, like a friendly corporate prospectus or catalogue, except that the 'product' on offer is a radically hopeful vision of the future. With 250 color and 50 b&w photos in a fractally chaotic layout, and a text that speaks in affirmative sound bites, this book offers a vision of the world in a package designed to get readers excited about stoves that burn peanut shells, superlight gels that can protect flowers from flame, and plants and microbes that turn open sewers into water supplies. It succeeds beautifully. (Dec.) " Publishers Weekly (Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information, Inc.)

A modern illustrated primer on the new inventions, technologies, and events that are affecting the human race worldwide. 25/02/04 ADVISED BY PUBLISHER PUBLICATION MOVED TO AUTUMN 2004 - NO DATE.

A manifesto for the future of global design culture