What-If Modelling

Within the overpowering global manifestations and materialisations of the desire for bigger and more, there exists precious little space to cultivate a desire for smaller and less. Few, and far between are the safehavens where dominant growth ideals are challenged and replaced by its opposite. But they exist. And we plan to create more.

There are many challenges on the road to downsizing the human species. Both physically and psychologically, as well as in relationship to the natural and built environment. To understand these challenges better (and because at this point it is one of the few serious possibilities for investigating what it will be like) we engaged in the practise of speculative modelling, also known as ‘what-if modelling‘ or ‘Luftwaffe 1946‘, after the curious practise of a specific group of model builders to fantasize about the sort of weaponry that might have come into production if Germany had actually won the war. The what-if factor makes it possible to ignore some of the immediate pratical objections, and paint our desired picture of the future, and enter it. It enables us to practise and prepare for future scenarios, and to map any difficulties that are hard to encounter in a more cerebral approach. Also, perhaps, it’ll make some of us excited about the new possibilities. Much like it has in the ostrich BBQ, the Poultry / House and the Sunflower Table. There is a fundamental shrink desire at work in model making and we intend to use it to our avantage.