The design world has long been fascinated by the future, creating futuristic objects that have become staples of science fiction cinema. From Marc Newson’s furniture in Prometheus to Eero Aarnio’s chairs in Men in Black, designers like Gae Aulenti, Joe Colombo, and Verner Panton have shaped the aesthetic of time-traveling worlds. Directors like Kubrick and Ridley Scott have also drawn on design icons, such as Olivier Mourgue’s Djinn seating series and Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Argyle Chair, to create immersive cinematic experiences.
Now, the Vitra Design Museum is celebrating the synergy between science fiction and design with the exhibition “Science Fiction Design: From Space Age to Metaverse”. Over 100 objects from the museum’s collection are on display, showcasing historical designs, cutting-edge concepts, and innovative technologies that represent the “Second Space Age” and the metaverse.
As the museum notes, the current space exploration efforts have sparked a new era of design innovation, raising questions about the future of the dialogue between science fiction and design. The metaverse, in particular, has become a new frontier for young designers, offering a space for experimentation, projection, and free thinking.
The exhibition “Science Fiction Design: From Space Age to Metaverse” will be on view at the Vitra Schaudepot until May 11, 2025, offering a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of imagination and functionality.
