In 20 to 40 years' time, technologies such as CRISPR will transform humanity and redefine many of society’s structures. When humans are born outside of the body in labs, who will shape these reproductive habitats– and for what purpose? Calling forth these likely futures, we explore new and interdisciplinary avenues for architecture and design through a process of narrative prototyping: provoking impossible questions and exploring ways in which science fiction can spark real-world discourse. Incubating a mind state that trusts the unknown, Lucy develops methods for pioneering new aesthetics, new stories, and new ways of being together in the world.
Lucy McRae is an artist and strategic thought partner leading Future Sensitive: a multi-disciplinary, art-research incubator. Shaped by two decades of Lucy's global art practice, the studio investigates the impact of emerging technology on human evolution.Through sculpture, performance, installation, and film, Lucy and Future Sensitive create hopeful, research-led futures that address humanity's pressing challenges.
In parallel to a gallery and museum-focused art practice, Lucy consults for a wide range of clients, including brands [Chanel, Adobe, MIT], private institutes, and Hollywood Writer’s rooms [TV mini-series Blade Runner 2099], working directly with leadership teams to catalyze futures through project sprints and narrative prototyping.
Lucy’s art-forward innovation emerged from leading Philips Design’s far-future design research lab [2006-2010], developing wearable technologies with emotional sensing capabilities, winning a Times Magazine innovation award. Her project Swallowable Perfume—a cosmetic pill creating fragrance from inside the body—exemplifies her methodology, combining introspection and breakthrough thinking to discover how technologies forge culture and new business.
A TED Fellow, World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, mentor for various institutes and programs [including The World Around, Young Climate Prize], and a visiting professor at SCI_Arc, Lucy is trusted by global leaders to navigate the intersection of technology and humanity with imagination and strategy.
Her work has been exhibited around the globe at SFMOMA, Venice Biennale, Centre Pompidou, Science Museum London, Milan Triennale, National Gallery Victoria, Powerhouse Museum, MAXXI, NXT Museum, and Honor Fraser Gallery. Collaborations and commissions include NASA, Aesop, Adidas, Intel, Kia, Dezeen, Unilever, Wired, Ars Electronica, and BMW Mini. Keynotes at TED, Royal Albert Hall, Cannes Lion, Royal Society, and Tribeca Film Festival.
Keynote Speaker:
Lucy McRae
When?
2 October 2025
6:00 to 6:30 pm
Where?
Kino Toni [3.G02, level 3]
Toni-Areal
Zurich University of the Arts
Website:
lucymcrae.net
Ticket:
Get your free ticket here
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