Can psychedelics offer support in designing more sustainable futures?
+ Michel Rojkind to speak at the Psychedelics Design online event on April 11, 2024
In an age defined by mounting environmental crises and a growing demand for sustainable innovations, psychedelics are surfacing, not solely because of their therapeutic promise, but also for their ability to evoke profound shifts in consciousness.
Against the backdrop of escalating sustainability dialogues, a compelling query emerges: Can psychedelics play a role in shaping more eco-friendly futures? We are interested in thinking of potential synergies that could guide us towards a more balanced coexistence with our planet.
Today:
Can psychedelics offer support in designing more sustainable futures?
Michel Rojkind, founder Rojkind Arquitectos, speaking at the Psychedelics Design Online Event on April 11th
Exclusive Discount for Substack Subscribers: Unlock 50% off April's conference ticket with code "Substack50".
Psychedelics Design News Feed on Sustainability
Can psychedelics offer support in designing more sustainable futures?
Humphrey Osmond coined the term "psychedelic" from the Greek words ψυχή (pronounced psychḗ), meaning soul or mind, and δηλείν (pronounced dēleín), meaning to manifest. How might these mind-manifesting traits guide us toward designing healthier futures?
As designers, we believe deeply that design transcends mere aesthetics. Even when aesthetics are a priority, extensive research and profound thought underpin every project.
Design thinking is a dynamic, iterative process that empowers teams to empathize with users, challenge assumptions, redefine problems, and innovate solutions for prototyping and testing. At its core, design thinking prioritizes human-centred approaches, urging organizations to centre their efforts on the people they serve, resulting in brands, products, services, and processes.
When finding solutions for a business challenges, the initial query therefor would be: What human need does this address? Yet, amidst our human-centric focus, how about also asking: What is nature's need behind our creations?
“After an enforced hiatus of nearly 60 years, I believe that humanity is on the brink of (re)opening this research and practice as a “fourth path for psychedelics” to amp up our nerdiest states for creative breakthroughs in science, technology, design, leadership, and other fields.” Bruce Damer wrote in a recent article for Lucid News.
Psychedelics could prove to be our most overlooked catalysts for paradigm-shifting breakthroughs.
Drawing from historical precedents and burgeoning contemporary research, we contend that pairing mindfulness practices with psychedelic exploration has the potential to ignite transformative insights among a new wave of "solutionists." These insights could be translated into tangible products and services that bridge humanity and our planet toward a thriving future.
The next frontier of psychedelics indeed could help to tackle some of our planet's most urgent challenges.
Creativity is undeniably one of humanity's most cherished attributes, fundamental to our scientific pursuits. Here's our initial hypothesis: Can psychedelics enhance our ability to design a brighter future by fostering a deeper connection with ourselves, others, and the world? Once a designer embraces this perspective, it's hard to overlook the importance of sustainability in every aspect of design. Design isn't just about aesthetics or creative experimentation—it shapes the very fabric of our existence and influences how our creations impact the planet.
“I like doing it in the Grand Canyon or in the woods… It does remind you of your space in the universe — your place in the universe — and reframe things for you. I think you can have some very profound experiences.” —Susan Sarandon, actress
Michel Rojkind speaking at the Psychedelics Design Event on April 11th
Suppose we take a holistic perspective and acknowledge the significance of designing across disciplines, scales, and environments to achieve meaningful and far-reaching results. What role would psychedelics play in fostering our reconnection with ourselves and nature, enhancing our capacity to create with greater insight and purpose? How will we design the future of living?
Michel Rojkind (Mexico City, 1969) studied Architecture and Urban Planning at the Universidad Iberoamericana (1989-1994). He has been a guest lecturer at IACC in Barcelona, as well as at SCI-ARC, UPenn, and Harvard in the United States. Additionally, he has been a member of the National Academy of Architecture and the National System of Creators (FONCA). Rojkind has served as a jury member in various international awards and competitions and has given lectures around the world.
In 2002, he founded Rojkind Arquitectos, a creative studio focusing on design, business tactics, and experiential innovation processes based in Mexico City. The studio specializes in the design of urban strategies and architectural solutions, turning contemporary challenges into design opportunities. Rojkind collaborates with experts from various professional fields, developing personalized experiences for each client and user.
Rojkind has been featured in numerous international books and magazines, including The New York Times, Wallpaper, Architectural League of New York, Architectural Digest, Líderes Mexicanos, and Forbes, among others. In 2010, he won the "Emerging Voices" award organized by the Architectural League of New York, and the Los Angeles Times recognized him as "People to Watch." In 2011, Wallpaper magazine named him one of the "150 Movers, Shakers, and Makers That Have Rocked The World in the Last 15 Years." In 2013, Forbes magazine recognized him as "one of the most influential architects in the contemporary Mexican scene." In 2017, The New York Times included him in "A Generation of Architects Making Its Mark at Dizzying Speed." In 2021, 000M magazine included Rojkind in "The World’s Most Inspiring People." In 2022, Forbes Mexico featured him in its edition of "The 100 Most Creative Mexicans in the World." In 2023, for the fifth consecutive time, he was recognized by Líderes Mexicanos magazine in its "Los 300" list.
Don’t forget your exclusive Discount for Substack Subscribers: Unlock 50% off April's conference ticket with code "Substack50".
IN THE NEWS
Downloads from the Modern Dawn of Psychedelics
Jan 17, 2024
The article by Bruce Damer explores the intellectual engagement with psychedelics and reflects on the visionary perspective on psychedelics as tools for innovation in the future.
The Intersection of Psychedelic Culture, the Environment, and Sustainability
Aug 22, 2023
The article emphasizes the potential for enhancing sustainability within psychedelic culture through collaboration and knowledge sharing. It advocates for open dialogue to explore ecological stewardship initiatives.
If Everyone Tripped on Psychedelics, We’d Do More About Climate Change
June 27, 2019
Already in 2019, Shayla Love wrote for VICE about the potential of psychedelics to deepen our connection with nature and as a consequence potentially spur environmental action.
Tripping for the Planet: Psychedelics and Climate Activism
January 16, 2023
Amber X. Chen emphasises the need for psychedelics to inspire environmental movement based on heritage and thoughtfulness: “Indigenous peoples need to be made leaders of the so-called psychedelic renaissance. After all, Indigenous peoples are not only the first practitioners of these ancient medicines—they’re also the land’s first caretakers. Today, 80% of biodiversity remains under Indigenous stewardship.”
A Psychedelics Boom Is Minting Environmentalists
28 Nov, 2023
“Proponents of a new wave of interest in hallucinogens say the right trip at the right time can change how people think about the natural world.” By Winston Ross.
Psychedelics and inner dimensions of sustainability: A Literature Review
January 2024
This paper explores “the role of classic psychedelics for sustainability transformations”.