The Future for Beginners

On a small peninsula, five towns are preparing to make a comeback. Unjustly forgotten by the world, the community is about to launch a major cultural festival to revitalise the area.

In the hours before the opening ceremony, a tropical storm strengthens into one of the strongest storms in the decade, heading straight for the town.

Now, in the face of a world-changing climate shock, the leaders of these sleepy peninsula need to put on the show of their lives.

The Future for Beginners is a hands-on simulation for up to 30 players. Working together over 80 minutes, players negotiate challenges and make decisions to create an unforgettable cultural event in the face of catastrophe.

A group of people gathered on small tables with game props and boards.

Image by Timothy Eliot Spurr

A woman sits folding paper on a table with green fabric and wooden props.
A group of people around a table smiling, one points at a 'projects' board.

Credits

Created by David Finnigan, Melanie Frances and Becky-Dee Trevenen, in collaboration with Chatham House, the London Design Biennale and Coney. Creative consultancy by Matthew Pitfield.

Design by Becky-Dee Trevenen.

The Future for Beginners was launched as part of the 2023 London Design Biennale at Somerset House.