Fixing design’s existential crisis with Phineas Harper

Design appears to be having an existential crisis. Once a discipline that promised transformation, design now finds itself caught between press-release grandstanding and cynical inertia. Haunted by critique, stripped of agency, and increasingly doubting its role in a world on fire? Has the project of “changing the world” quietly been shelved?

Join Phineas Harper for a provocation on design’s present condition—and its possible futures. From curating the Oslo Architecture Triennale on Degrowth to leading urbanism charity Open City, Phineas has spent their career challenging the status quo of design, politics, and culture. They’re a RIBA Honorary Fellow, regular Guardian contributor, and a fearless voice for making design more accessible, sustainable and impactful.

Following an opening talk, Dr Niki Wallace will guide collective conversation with all audience members. Grounded in Design for Transitions, Wallace’s work spans co-creation, regenerative cultures, and the relational infrastructures needed to support more just futures.

This is a participatory event where you’ll have the opportunity to share your own experience, meet others, and plot pathways for repair and renewal.

Phineas Harperis a writer,sculptorand urbanist. A regular contributor to the Guardian, they are chair of the Architecture Association of Ireland Awards and former chief executive of the NGO Open City. They co-founded New Architecture Writers and public debating forum Turncoats. They live with two cats in the Vanbrugh Park Estate in Greenwich.

Dr Niki Wallaceis a researcher, educator, and designer focused on Just Transitions.Wallace's research and teaching focuses on activating and accelerating Just Transitions, developing methods for expanded collaboration, and nurturing regenerative cultures. Through educational leadership roles in the Graphic Design Programme (as Programme Director) and MA Global Collaborative Design Practice (as a Course Leader and Unit leader), and as a PhD supervisor, Wallace supports students’ development of the critical skills needed to realise regenerative and just futures. Wallace is also the founder of Net Zero Lab, an Australian-based living lab.

Fixing Design's existential crisis formspartofFaultLines,UniversityoftheArtsLondon’sEarthWeek2026programme,whichbringsstaffandstudentstogetheracrosstheuniversityforclimateandecologicalaction.

This event is open to the public, as well as staff and students at University of the Arts London.