Everywhen: Environmental Sensing and the Songs, Shape and Intelligence of Water

This event by Grounded Studios, REALMstudios, Space Sensory Lab and Old Ways, New, explores how environmental sensing and life-dependent watery systems inform design.

Water, as a material and medium, is the focus of this provocation. The presenters will reflect on practices that intersect design, scientific and technological research. From immersive environments and landscape design to speculative robotics and space habitats, the panel will critically examine environmental sensing and the use of sensory and data systems to understand the intelligence of water. Showcasing works that weave Indigenous Sky Knowledge with western astrophysics for technologies as cultural practice, to restorative architectural practices, environmental sensing systems designed for river health, and the dynamics of water in spaceflight. In space, a drop of water changes shape, and sensory infrastructures manage human experiences in closed-system environments.

The session navigates the relationships between people and places, often in tension with notions of design futures that may never arrive. It will explore 'Everywhen' temporalities. In this context, Everywhen is where past, present, and future meet at once and deeply interweave notions of justice, sovereignty, and care for Country.

During the event, a rich spatial design experience engages the senses through sounds, scents and tastes to immerse in the landscape of water. To conclude the event, the audience will be invited to engage in a facilitated conversation with the presenters to draw connections between the ideas and reflect on how design may flow, always in relation to water: adaptive, resonant, and deeply interconnected.

This event is part of Melbourne Design Week 2026, an initiative of the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.

Contact the host of Everywhen: Environmental Sensing and the Songs, Shape and Intelligence of Water