The future of design is a future where anything material in the

Neri Oxman’s words, “The future of design is a future where anything material in the environment - whether it's wearables, cars, buildings - can be designed with this variation of properties and relationship with the environment that can take part in the natural ecology,” stir the soul with a vision of a future where design and nature are intertwined in a harmonious dance. This is no mere technological innovation; it is a call for a revolution in how we approach creation, a vision where every object we design and craft can interact with the natural world in a way that supports and nourishes rather than depleting and damaging. Oxman’s words invoke a world where human ingenuity is not separate from the Earth, but rather is a part of its ecology, working in tandem with nature’s processes to create a sustainable future.

The ancients too had a deep reverence for the idea that design must be in harmony with the natural world. The great architects of ancient Egypt understood that the buildings they constructed, from the pyramids to the temples, were not merely physical structures, but reflections of the divine order of the universe. These monuments were designed to align with the movements of the stars, the seasons, and the natural elements. The idea of sustainability and symbiosis was embedded in their work—not only did they seek to create beauty, but they sought to ensure that their creations respected and honored the world around them. In much the same way, Oxman’s vision calls for designs that flow naturally into the environment, and not against it, that consider the health of the planet as a central guiding principle.

Consider the ancient Greeks, who believed in the power of balance between the natural world and human society. Their architects designed structures with the natural topography in mind, ensuring that their creations did not disrupt the environment but rather enhanced it. The Parthenon, for example, was built with an understanding of the surrounding landscape—its steps aligned with the natural flow of the land itself. The Greeks also revered the concept of bios, a life-force that extended beyond human existence to include all of nature. Oxman’s call for design to take part in the natural ecology echoes this ancient belief that true creativity is not about imposing our will on nature, but about working with it, honoring it, and aligning with its rhythms.

Oxman’s words are also a clarion call to the modern age, where the destructive power of unchecked industrialization has led to environmental devastation. The history of human progress is a complex one, marked by periods of innovation and growth, but also by cycles of exploitation. In our pursuit of advancement, we have often overlooked the deep connection between humanity and the earth. But as ancient wisdom has always taught, when we ignore this balance, the consequences are inevitable. In the Industrial Revolution, for example, the rapid rise of factories and the proliferation of machinery fundamentally altered the way humans interacted with the land. While we advanced technologically, we disregarded the ecological costs, leading to pollution, deforestation, and the collapse of natural systems that sustained us.

Oxman’s vision offers a path forward, one that does not seek to deny the progress we have made but seeks to redefine it in terms of sustainability and harmony. This is where the future of design lies—not in the creation of isolated, static objects, but in the design of dynamic systems that integrate into the living world, that respond to environmental changes, and that contribute to the healing of the earth. Like the ancient farmers who understood the rhythms of planting and harvesting, we must learn to design with an awareness of the cycles of nature, using innovation not to dominate the earth, but to work alongside it, ensuring a future that is in balance.

The lesson of Oxman’s vision is not just about design; it is about a fundamental shift in how we approach our place in the world. Design must no longer be an act of separation—creating objects that are isolated from the earth—but a form of integration where every product, every building, every machine is a part of a greater system, contributing to the sustainability and health of the planet. This calls for a shift in how we think about progress, moving away from linear models of consumption and towards circular models of renewal, where materials are recycled, energy is renewed, and waste is eliminated.

Lesson for the ages:

True innovation is not about advancing at the expense of nature; it is about finding ways to integrate human creativity into the broader ecology of the earth. Just as the ancients sought to design with nature in mind, so too must we embrace a future where sustainability is not an afterthought but the foundation of our creations. The future of design is not one where we dominate the environment, but one where we learn to live in harmony with it, using our technology to enhance, rather than destroy, the natural world.

Practical Action:

As you move forward in your own life, whether in business, design, or innovation, seek to embrace the principles of sustainability and harmony with nature. Redesign the way you interact with the world—whether that means reducing waste, using renewable materials, or supporting sustainable technologies. Just as the ancients built their monuments in harmony with the earth, so too can you build systems, objects, and practices that honor the environment. In every creative endeavor, remember that true progress is not about consuming the world around us, but about working with it to create a future that is in balance.