Research

The project: This project combined the African traditions of generative economy with contemporary technology design to create an AfricanFuturist greenhouse, located at the African Bead Museum in Southwest Detroit. It supplies fresh vegetables and plants native to Africa. By using solar energy, as well as a rain catchment system, the team created a small-scale model for what could become a broader set of self-sufficient, sustainable urban farming practices that restore the links between living, making and growing that are so important to Indigenous traditions. 

Of central importance, these Indigenous traditions of generative economy include reciprocal relations between human and nonhuman value generation. This project updated that using contemporary techniques to grow the feedstock that becomes the beadwork and other adornment sold in the bead museum. 

The process: In addition to seed funding from Poverty Solutions, this project received funding from the Stamps School of Art and Design and the National Science Foundation. 3D printed models guided the greenhouse construction crew, which included local workers collaborating with U-M students. A weekend high school program involved local youth in digital technologies at the greenhouse.

Results: Read more about the completed AfricanFuturist Greenhouse

Ron Eglash, University of Michigan School of Information
Audrey Bennett, University of Michigan Penny W. Stamps School of Art and Design
Olayami Dabls, MBAD/ABA African Bead Museum