- IntroductionGlobal
Catastrophic Risk



The term ‘Global Catastrophic Risk’ refers to the possibility of causing significant harm to human well-being on a global scale. From volcanic eruptions to pandemic infections, nuclear accidents to global tyranny, uncontrolled scientific experiments to climate change, and cosmic disasters to economic collapse, these disasters can impact all of us. How can communication design be used to influence a change in human behaviour that will aid in managing the risks? 

'Global Catastrophic Risk' is chosen to encourage students to approach the global problems of the present era with greater maturity, responsibility, and effectiveness. By the end of the semester, all these works will be showcased in the first instalment of Resilient Bodies – a collaboration between two modules, Drawing & Making and Studio – an exhibition in which ‘the making and the thinking’ come together.



Group Projects
  1. Hacker Space

  2. A Conducive Learning Space

  3. Hack Your Genes

  4. Deceptively Honest

  5. Mass Psychosis

  6. You Live In A World

  7. AIR


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Research Topics



Title

The Villain Behind Xenophobia




Title

A Conducive Learning Space




Title

The Protein Algaerithm




Title

Hacker Space



Title

Hack Your Genes



Title

Deceptively Honest




Title

Mass Psychosis



Title

You Live In A World


Title

AIR






Hacker Space
2021
Term 01



Team members’ response


Response 1
Nur Athirah Bte Supa'at


Response 2
Chiquita Serafin Panjaitan

Response 3
Vivan Deshpande




Research summary

Autonomous cars, like any other electronic device, are prone to cyberattacks.



Throughout the many decades of human history, we often find ourselves fantasizing about what the future would look like in 20-30 years' time. The idea of autonomous cars has stuck by many people even to this day.

However, as technologies are changing every day and our hopes of a futuristic world are all but a distant dream, the dangers of technology are all but ignored by the bright-eyed eyes of the masses. Autonomous cars, like any other electronic device, are prone to cyberattacks and can possibly serve as a danger to the passengers as well as the people around the vehicle. Cyber terrorists and hackers may now have an easier way to infiltrate and wreak havoc on the general public.




The Villain Behind Xenophobia
2021
Term 01



Team members


Response 1
Felecia Agatha Yantoro

Response 2
Nakul Shetty

Response 3
Charlyn Chye Jing Yi


Research summary

Media may ingrain certain beliefs and instill fears, such as xenophobia.


In this day and age, the media is seen as a platform that shapes our view of the world. It can also serve as the root of dissension and misconceptions that decimates the peace maintained among people.

The media's ubiquity is used to influence many. It may ingrain certain beliefs and instill fears, such as xenophobia. To illustrate this, messages broadcasted on Twitter endorsed by internet personalities can induce unnecessary fears of foreigners in netizens. The thousands of viewers may forward the messages to their counterparts, reaching a larger spectrum of viewers. Consequently, netizens may form prejudices against a particular race and begin to discriminate against them. We could be facing a global catastrophe.

Xenophobia is a negative perception of races that are slipped into media reports with the intent to sow discord. Newspaper publications and propaganda aim at provoking emotional responses in the audience by the use of representation. However, even the biggest media outlets fail to realize the grave consequences of their actions.





The Protein Algaerithm
2021
Term 01



Responses


Response 1
Jocelyn Netanya Wijaya

Response 2
Neeraja Lad


Response 3
Syafira Haziqah Binte Yusman



Research summary

Algae may help curb the growing global demand for protein.


The world depends on animals as its main protein source and livestock farming generates harmful greenhouse gases. Areas undergo deforestation to make land for farming, and large amounts of water and crops are needed to feed livestock. As the world's demand for protein continues to increase, there needs to be a more sustainable source of protein. Algae might just be what we need.

Algae can be consumed in many ways: Directly, processed into snack products, as a seasoning, vitamins, and food supplements, in powder form, as part of vegan meat, and many more. Algae also grow faster than livestock, require fewer resources to farm, and are carbon-neutral.




A Conducive Learning Space
2021
Term 01



Responses


Response 1
Muhammad Asyraf Bin Mohd Affandee


Response 2
Joanna Bertilla


Response 3
Jaggumantri Shamita



Research summary

Lack of a conducive study environment hinders learning


The rise of the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of a conducive study space. This infectious virus affected schools worldwide, closing off physical classes, causing many institutions to opt for e-learning from the comfort of their homes. Once a resting spot, homes have turned into a place of study. Many educators have put their best effort into maximizing class time, but it is still not enough to get students to concentrate.

A home is a place for various kinds of entertainment: cellphones, television, video games, and bed, to name a few. Students would have easier access to these media, pulling attention away from class time. Furthermore, the lack of ability for educators to be physically present meant rules for discipline were much looser. Focusing in class while drawing attention away from entertainment requires a great effort, mainly for younger students. Additionally, the design of a home environment may also hinder student productivity, such as tight spaces, cluttered rooms, and inadequate lighting.