ABOUT

Haptera Design works at the intersection of ecology and design to address challenges found across urban waterways and aquatic environments.

With a focus towards novelty, the studio traverses between speculation and practical approaches of design to address opportunities for biodiversity to thrive in aquatic systems and the relationships formed as a result.

The studio moves fluidly between design research, practice and ecoliteracy to explore the social, technological and ecological dimensions of the environments that projects touch upon.

Grounded in a systems led approach, our work considers the nature of the relationships formed through our work, visualising and speculating on the potential impact of the work that we do at a variety of scales and systems.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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MDW 2026

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UPCOMING EVENTS 〰️ MDW 2026 〰️

EXHIBITION: BEYOND Equilibria

Beyond Equilibria is an exhibition exploring the boundaries between ecological systems and urban environments. From subterranean ecologies to novel aquatic systems, each designer interprets the role of design in facilitating nature-positive relationships within disturbed and often overlooked parts of our cities — spaces critical to maintaining connectivity and developing cultures of care.

Exploring a range of media and design approaches central to each designer’s practice, the exhibited works reflect the diverse approaches of designers drawing on an understanding of the entangled systems in which they work. On show is a collection of design responses that explore ideas of materiality, digital technologies and artificial habitats, offering opportunities for urban renewal within and beyond the boundaries of urban systems.

Participating designers

Bethany Kiss, Javier de Urquijo Isoard,Jorge Arreola, ICON Science and Shane Hunt

EVENT DETAILS

Free

VENUE

Palace Coffee
22 Ridgway Place, Melbourne VIC,

DATES

Sat 23 May - 11 - 5pm

Sun 24 May - 10 - 4pm

MDW 2026

https://designweek.melbourne/event/beyond-equilibria/