What will it be like to study in 2075? Uni-visionaries help shape the university’s future
LEGO creations, a clothesline of visions and a journey into the past and the future: just some of the highlights of Uni-vision day, where creatives developed their vision of the future of study.
Uni-visions invites all dreamers, thinkers and creators to imagine what studying at Leiden University might look like 50 years from now, in celebration of the university’s 450th anniversary. From poetry to painting, music to film: anything goes, as long as it offers a vision of the future. Uni-vision day brought together 26 participants to shape their visions toward their final creations.
Room for new ideas
Writer and theatre maker Marjolijn van Heemstra began the day by telling the Uni-visionaries to forget everything they know. ‘Because only when you “unknow” can you create space for new ideas and unexpected futures.’
Next, moderator Meta Knol invited participants on a journey through time – reaching back to their predecessors and forward to future generations. What will the world be like in the years to come?
From big ideas to first steps
After the joint opening, it was time for a series of sessions on creativity.
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Artist Jeroen van der Most showed how unbound thinking can spark groundbreaking creativity. -
Social designer Fides Lapidaire helped participants identify the frustration or wonder that fuelled their vision of the future. -
Matthijs van Dijk helped participants redefine their vision of the future with the reframing method. -
Tanja de Bie guided the uni-visionaries in exploring the potential impact of future scenarios, helping them anticipate changes in education and society.
‘Fides’ workshop gave me a clear sense of direction. Thanks to her, I now have the tools to take concrete action’, said Claire Zandvliet. Uni-visionary Wim Kuin appreciated the variety. ‘It was fantastic to go from an inspiring session in the Academy Building to the beautiful Hortus. It took a moment to adjust, but I like that kind of thing.’
Clothesline of visions
The uni-visionaries hung their visions of studying in 2075 on a clothesline. ‘It’s wonderful to be in an environment where you can think freely and where that is actively encouraged’, said uni-visionary Wilma van ’t Hof.
Building the future
In the closing session with Lauren Vargas, the participants built their visions of the future with LEGO. ‘Just playing with those quirky little bricks, without knowing exactly where you are headed, and then suddenly you’ve created a wonderful story together. What a perfect end to the day’, said Kuin.
On to the final
The Uni-visionaries now have one more week to hone their visions of the future. After that, a jury will select ten finalists, whose work will be showcased on the Uni-visions site. Then it’s up to the public: which work will win the most votes? Three winners will receive help creating their work and bringing their vision of the future to life.
