We’re pioneering a new living experience, and it goes without saying that we love thinking about the future. So when London’s Victoria & Albert Museum asked if they could feature The Collective in an exhibition that’s all about the future of living, we were definitely keen.
Opened just a few days ago, The Future Starts Here explores the power of design in shaping the world of tomorrow. From projects in development with the likes of Facebook, Apple and Google to works of smaller institutions and independent designers, the exhibition shines a spotlight on ideas and innovations that are breaking major ground.
Our first co-living building, The Collective Old Oak, is featured in the exhibition as an example of the way design can push the boundaries of the way people live. The building, which opened its doors in May 2016, was designed by PLP Architecture and is the largest co-living building in the world.
Our CEO Reza Merchant, said: “At The Collective, we truly believe that collective living is the future for cities around the world. So when the V&A got in contact and asked us to be part of the exhibition, we were thrilled.”
“To have a model of our first ever co-living space, The Collective Old Oak, on display beside some incredibly innovative and groundbreaking exhibits was not only awe-inspiring, but also very humbling. I would urge anyone interested in what the future could hold for us to buy tickets and take in all the incredible thinking on display.”
Our in-house architect Yiota Spyropoulou has been busily working on a cross-section model of the building, using illustration and lighting to show collective living in action. “We created personas with different interests, lifestyles, everyday routines and professions, inspired by our diverse community of members,” Yiota said. “The model represents how each one of them might experience co-living throughout the course of a day.”
The larger than life model is accompanied by a short film featuring three different projects and, as Yiota explains, is shown alongside some major designs. “Having the chance to present The Collective Old Oak next to cutting edge architectural projects such as the Foster + Partners’ Masdar City and the new Apple headquarters is incredibly exciting.”
“Having the chance to present The Collective Old Oak next to cutting edge architectural projects such as the Foster + Partners’ Masdar City and the new Apple headquarters is incredibly exciting.”
The Future Starts Here is the first major exhibition produced by the V&A’s Design, Architecture and Digital department and harks back to the museum’s founding principle to champion cutting-edge design. Visitors to the exhibition are asked to consider what happens if the designs and technologies being explored today are widely adopted. How might these ideas change the way we live, the way we work, and our planet?
‘The Future Starts Here’ runs at the V&A until 4th November 2018