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London 2030

London 2030

In spring 2021, the Museum collaborated with students from Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, to creatively think about how environmental change and technological advances could transform life in London by 2030. 

A women with a baby strapped on her chest, in walking across the road. Shop and cafes with people walking along the pavement in front are lining the street

The Dilemma: London 2030

We are living through extraordinary times. In 2020, the Coronavirus pandemic impacted our everyday lives, and will continue to have profound knock-on effects as to how we all live and interact with our immediate environment.

People are engaging with their local communities in new ways and exploring their local green spaces, neighbours and businesses resulting in a steady pull away from the city centre.

Alongside this shift, society globally is re-evaluating the impact our lifestyles are having on the planet and the need to cut our greenhouse gas emissions.

As a result of this change in mindset, what will London look like in 2030? Will privately owned cars be a thing of the past? Will we see greener physical infrastructure to help support environmental sustainability? What impact will world migration and population displacement continue to have on city life?

The Brief

With this conundrum in mind, students from Central Saint Martins’ MA Narrative Environments and MA Innovation Management courses were tasked with examining the theme of ‘London 2030’.

After conducting extensive research, the four mixed student groups had to imagine what a week in the life of individuals and communities living in four different London neighbourhoods would look like a decade from now. The four areas considered were Acton, Brixton, Kings Cross and Walthamstow. These four areas represent a slice across London from north east, through the centre to south-southwest. 

A women with a baby strapped on her chest, in walking across the road. Shop and cafes with people walking along the pavement in front are lining the street
A group of four people are seen boarding and Tube train, and four people walking along the platform. A station manager can be seen in a high-vis vest on the platform
In winter, two young black women can be seen walking along a pathway in their local park.

Quote from tutor

Our students are very fortunate to be collaborating with a leading London cultural institution. This will be an invaluable learning experience for them.

Mimi Nguyen, MA Innovation Management Tutor

The Result

Each team produced a short video telling the story of these four areas over the course of a week, highlighting the key considerations and concerns of those living locally, the well-being of these residents and the wider need to address the accelerating climate emergency.

The videos feature as part of a new installation in the ’Future Journey, Future City’ gallery, but you can also watch the four finished videos below. Do you agree with these sustainable visions of the future? What does a viable local community look like to you in the 21st century? What changes are needed to ensure positive well-being within local communities?

Car Hub: Acton 2030

It’s the year 2030 and Acton is now car-free. But how do families manage school runs? And where do they go in their free time? Follow the Johns as they enjoy life in Acton. But is everyone happy to live in a car-free area?

Skate Life: Brixton 2030

Over the next ten years, how can we ensure public spaces are designed inclusively for local community needs? Find out how a group of teenagers living in Brixton, south London, in 2030 are brought together through their love of skateboarding, and with the help of advanced technology.

Green Trails: Walthamstow 2030

What would it be like to live in the most green, safe and prominent art hub of London? Meet Tom and Andy, two young contemporary artists trying to build their life together in Walthamstow in 2030.

On Water: King’s Cross 2030

How do you want the Regent’s Canal to look like ten years from now? This is how the students from Central St Martins have imagined King’s Cross in 2030.

Quote from student

For all of us, working on a live client brief for this established cultural institution is an amazing creative opportunity. We are being encouraged to challenge our perceptions of the future of London and our part in shaping it.

Lydia Markham, MA Innovation Management student.

About this project

London 2030 was developed in collaboration with Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London.

Central Saint Martins Student teams

MA Innovation Management
Media Team: Lydia Markham, Fei Cui (Faye) Overbeek, Mrunali Bhangale, Kailun Zhang, Nour Karame, Purvisha Sutaria, Rahma Al Barwani, Eirini Karagianni, Sara Osimo, Hiu Tin (Kylie) Leung

Display team: Ang Li, Sarah Dell’Isola, Go Izumisawa, Zhenghao (Lee) Yu, Anna Bucher, Jiamin Yang, Vivian (Vivi) Eiroa, Alexandra Babeau, Eintzi (Angie) Korona, Charlotte Wiroth, Juliana Edmundo Robilard, Ekaterina (Katherine) Kovaleva

MA Narrative Environments
Display team: Kaiyi Sheng, Jasmine Ouyang, Muyun Zhang, Genea Saunders, Emma Thompson, Natalie Gillard, Alexander Collinson, Mark Lonsdale, Lucy McCullough,​ J​iaqi Xu, Zeyu Wang, Weimeng Dai