ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Studio Saol Unveils The Pluriversity, a Speculative Bioregional University, at Future Days 2026

architecture-design · 2026-09-18

During Future Days 2026, Studio Saol unveiled The Pluriversity, an innovative university concept designed to transform education towards regeneration. This three-year research project, intended for a major Irish university, envisions a bioregional learning ecosystem through Living Systems Labs concentrating on food, energy, governance, ecology, production, and daily life. Initiated in Limerick, Ireland, the project commenced with a strategy development brief, recognizing regenerative development as a novel approach. The installation included a film, an interactive map, and an architectural model crafted from materials gathered from five campuses. Adam Barry, Futures Director at Studio Saol, highlighted the necessity for noticeable transformation. The initiative critiques the existing university framework and was documented by Dani Bains Creative. Author: Teo Sandigliano.

Key facts

  • Studio Saol presented The Pluriversity at Future Days 2026 as part of the "Currents of Tomorrow" programme.
  • The Pluriversity is a speculative project that reimagines university education as a bioregional learning ecosystem.
  • The project is the result of a three-year research initiative for a large Irish university.
  • Studio Saol is based in Limerick, Ireland, and rooted in the Shannon River bioregion.
  • The model proposes a network of Living Systems Labs, each focused on themes like food, energy, governance, ecology, production, and everyday life.
  • The research included academic papers, speculative reports, and a participatory toolkit called the "Futures Café."
  • The installation at Future Days 2026 allowed visitors to experience the university as students in the year 2070.
  • The architectural model was made from materials sourced from the five campuses, including reclaimed bricks, copper, native Irish oak, and bog oak.
  • Adam Barry, Futures Director at Studio Saol, emphasized making future changes visible and understandable.
  • The project was documented by Dani Bains Creative.

Entities

Artists

  • Adam Barry
  • Teo Sandigliano

Institutions

  • Studio Saol
  • Future Days 2026
  • Dani Bains Creative

Locations

  • Limerick
  • Ireland
  • Shannon River

Sources