Massive Change

Massive Change is a modern, illustrated primer on the new inventions, technologies, and events that are affecting the human race worldwide. This book is part of a broader research project by Bruce Mau Design, intended to provoke debate and discussion about the future of design culture – defined generally as the ‘familiar objects and techniques that are transforming our lives’.

Through an original selection of essays, interviews and provocative imagery aimed at a broad audience, Massive Change explores the changing forces of design in the contemporary world and, from this angle, expands the definition of design to include the built environment, transportation technologies, revolutionary materials, energy and information systems, and living organisms.

The book is divided into 11 heavily illustrated sections, covering major areas of change in contemporary society – urbanism and architecture, health and living, wealth and politics and the military. Each section intersperses intriguing documentary images with a general introductory essay, extended captions and interviews with leading thinkers, including engineers, designers, philosophers, scientists, architects, artists, and writers.

In its totality, this volume embodies a graphic timeline of significant inventions and world events from 10,000 BC to the present, in a sweeping and scintillating intellectual tour de force.