Socratic
Design
Lab
The Socratic lab is a multidisciplinary lab in in Costa Brava, Spain were we design good
life practices from scratch . We incorporate art, research, technology and pragmatic
knowledge. We will deeply analyse our needs and the possibility of designing our preferred futures, by rethinking what we normally take for granted.
SOCRATIC DEEP DIVE
All things and everything that surrounds
us, created by human hands, is designed.
When something is designed, there were
assumptions on which the design was
based. In Socratic design we investigate
these determining assumptions deeply and
evaluate them. We have a lot of stubborn,
false and counterproductive assumptions
that are producing a lot of problems in the
world. Truthful investigation can clear our
minds.
But …
Most thoughts in our mind seems to be
ours, in effect they are mostly reproducing
stubborn and outdated ideas from
outside. Our thoughts can be as
addictive as other body processes, it likes
repetitive thoughts. When we “think”, we
mostly repeat old thoughts all over again,
but we do not notice , instead we receive endorphin rewards that tell us we are
thinking. To reach the point of real creative
thinking is paramount for any design
process. You can reach that by disciplined
dialog and by strong introspection.
SOCRATIC DIALOG
By embracing a set of intervening rules, a
group of individuals can be transformed into
one strong, fresh, collective mind. We learn
the “art of listening” and the art of
incorporating thoughts of others in our
thinking. This extends our horizon of
meaning. The Socratic dialogue is a form
of conversation in which we generate, free
from compulsory thoughts, new
perspectives. We dare to go out of the
comfort zone. The group as a biological
entity is a strong context to generate real
thinking.
SOCRATIC DESIGN
It is a unique experience to be immersed
in a collective creative design process in
which we work trans disciplinary. You will
experience a strong feeling of comunal
thinking which will refresh broaden your
spectrum. In a strong extended collective
mind we can analyse all sorts of cultural
assumptions and establish new ones in
order to free space for new design
creations. All focused on designing good
lives. Neuroscience, nano technology,
grafeen and other innovations in sciences
give completely new possibilities for the
design of our new world. They also
challenge strongly old paradigms of
thinking! We will make out of the box
future scenarios, a hint for good and steady
dreams, a process in which art and
science be part of our creative process from
scratch.
FOR WHOM
For people who want to practice design
thinking and at the same time create good
practices. Artists, scientists, students or just
motivated engaged people can all benefit
from this lab, they will acquire some basic
skills of the socratic design method.
WHERE AND WHEN
The coming Lab will be in the
the Costa Brava. Famous for its beaches
beautifull nature, and the quality of its
meditarenian lifestyle.
The week will be a full intense lab with
some outward bound moments.
You will stay in a simple hostel in Llanca or
in the mountains near Espolla. We do not
have a date yet for the upcomming lab, but
there is atleast one every half year. Soon we
can be more specific about this.
You will stay in a hostel in Llançà, near the
sea, In rural houses in villages or the mountains of the pyrenees.
COSTS
The price includes stay, food and lab content (and excursions). Flights or other
transport to Girona have to be organized by
yourself.
- Price 650 euro excl. IVA
- Price for students will be different, ask for it
in your aplication mail.
JOINING THE LAB
Please write a short profile and motivation
and mail to:
[email protected]
deadline: no deadline.
If you have any more questions feel free to ask.
Sincerely,
Humberto Schwab & Miguel Harbers