FutureCity and the future of education in the post-pandemic world

In the pandemic era, we’re learning to live with…well, different kinds of learning.

In a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus COVID-19, schools across the world have closed down and moved online, affecting young and old students alike. In what is arguably the biggest, prolonged disruption to the education sector of our time, systems and tools for learning have needed to quickly find new ways to adapt and survive. If a return to the previous status quo won’t happen anytime soon, how do we move forward – and more importantly, how do we innovate?

As part of Loftwork & FabCafe’s new global initiative FutureCity, which explores the possibilities of post-pandemic future living, we shine the light on education with a series of online talks and events. Join us in asking the big questions, as we dissect the current challenges, as well the future potential, of distance learning, virtual reality, game-based learning and more.

‘FutureCity’, Loftwork’s brand new global initiative, explores life in and after the time of corona – and the new possibilities we must traverse.

Online FAB Meetup (Finished)

Meet up with us online, in a FabMeetUp like no other. One of the first talks in the FutureCity line-up, industry experts delve into the possibilities of distance learning, as aided by design, technology and innovation. Can physical learning ever be fully replaced by its online counterparts? Join Numena co-founder Andreea Ion Cojocaru, Parsons professor Kyle Li and Loftwork Hong Kong co-founder Harvey Chung in ‘Immersive Distance Learning with XR (VR/AR/MR)’, as they explore the role of education in the time of corona.

A frequent guest speaker on virtual reality and its impacts, Andreea Ion Cojocaru will draw on a wealth of virtual spatial design experience through her work at the award-winning creative studio Numena. Meanwhile, creative technologist Kyle Li is no stranger to building curriculums and finding new ways to engage students, having helped helm the design and technology BFA program at Parsons School of Design during his time as a program director. His passion for learning and teaching will be supported by fellow educator Harvey Chung, who will moderate the event.

Online FAB Meetup “Immersive Distant Learning with XR”

Date: May 5th, 2020 Tuesday
Time: 7pm UTC +8 Timezone converter
Set a reminder on Youtube here
Event page: Online FAB Meetup “Immersive Distant Learning with XR”

Innovative Game Design Challenge – Learning based

Learning isn’t just relegated to the classroom; as part of FutureCity’s eye on education, we will also delve into the fun and interactive world of game-based learning. Whether it’s a new card game or experimental building blocks, we want to hear your ‘offline’ game ideas for ‘Innovative Game Design Challenge’. While open to creators and makers of all types, we do have a soft spot for all things Fab – and would especially love to see 3D printed or laser cut works for this challenge. There is no monetary prize, but the winner will get the chance to be featured both online and offline in the FabCafe global network, as well as the potential to collaborate with manufacturers.

Go to Innovative Game Design Challenge page for more details!

Winners will get the chance to take home up to US$1000 and be featured both online and offline in the FabCafe global network, as well as the potential to collaborate with manufacturers.

To kick off the competition, Hangna Koh, one of FabCafe’s creative directors, will be joined by creative technologist Thibaut Evrard in a special Facebook Live opening talk. Presenting Evrard’s project ‘Digital Bricks’, an alternative and tangible experience to learning creative coding through Lego, the two will examine the significance of hands-on learning, as aided by technology, as well as the creative possibilities for education in the future. Follow FabCafe Global on Facebook for updates on the opening talk.

Meet AUD, the artist behind the visuals

Stay tuned for more details, by subscribing to FutureCity newsletters here for updates on events in design and innovation. We’re always open to collaborations – contact us at global@fabcafe.com

About FabCafe Global

Inspired by the ‘Fab’ revolution as prescribed by MIT maverick Neil Gershenfeld, FabCafe is a series of ‘Fab’ innovation labs that specialize in creating products, services and experiences of the future. Here, maker enthusiasts, businesses and everyday people can access digital fabrication tools and experiences for fields ranging from fashion to bio. Founded in Tokyo in 2012, FabCafe’s global network now serves and fosters creative communities in 11 locations around the world, including Bangkok, Barcelona, Hong Kong, and many more.