Previously On View: December 14, 2018 through March 31, 2019

See exhibitions currently on view.

About the exhibition

The Road Ahead: Reimagining Mobility presents 40 design projects inspired by the technologies that will change how we move people, goods, and services in the future. With the rapid convergence of data and design innovation, cities are becoming smarter and transport options are multiplying. The Road Ahead encourages visitors to creatively consider how droids, bots, drones, and more can make streetscapes safer, transportation more equitable, and cities more sustainable. Arup, MIT, Höweler + Yoon, Toyota, IDEO, and Waymo are among the cutting-edge research institutions, designers, and manufacturers whose works and ideas are featured in the exhibition, which also includes a college design showcase highlighting innovative concepts from design’s next generation.

Supporters

The Road Ahead: Reimagining Mobility is made possible in part by support from the Ehrenkranz Fund, Barbara and Morton Mandel Design Gallery Endowment Fund, Lily Auchincloss Foundation, Inc., and the August Heckscher Exhibition Fund.

image of two people's heads, one in focus on the right, the other on the left is out of the focus. the one on the right is looking at the one on the left, who holds a microphone to her mouth and appears to be talking. the woman on the left has curly hair and red glasses, the man on the right has short straight grey/brown hair and dark glasses
Design Talk: Designing New Rules of the Road
Car companies and innovation incubators are accelerating development of driverless vehicles, promising safer, more efficient, connected transportation for cities. But how safe is safe enough? And what can we do to build public trust? Industry leaders, policy advocates, and designers discuss the steps and systems needed to safeguard lives on our changing city streets. Panelists:...
Image of Ryan Powell, head of research and UX design, Waymo behind a podium with a Cooper Hewitt sign. He has brown hair and glasses, and wears a red and blue striped sweater. His hands are raise slightly, gesturing to an image on a screen behind him. The crowd looks on.
Design Talk: Designing the Connected City
The arrival of connected and autonomous vehicles provides cities and residents an opportunity to reimagine shared public spaces. How can design further this effort and help to create more livable, equitable streets? This in-depth conversation with three leaders in the field of mobility design covers shared data, transportation technology, and civic responsibility . Panelists: Sarah...
Designing New Rules of the Road
Car companies and innovation incubators are accelerating development of driverless vehicles, promising safer, more efficient, connected transportation for cities. But how safe is safe enough? And what can we do to build public trust? Join us for an evening with industry leaders, policy advocates, and designers to discuss the steps and systems needed to safeguard lives on our changing city streets.
A photo illustration shows a Chicago street against a blue sky. Cars move toward along the city street and little blue dots emanate out in circles from a white car. The dots also cover the street sign and surrounding trees. They are meant to represent the data being collected and used by autonomous vehicles. Scroll down for information on our February 25 program "Designing the Connected City."
Designing the Connected City
The arrival of connected and autonomous vehicles provides cities and residents an opportunity to reimagine shared public spaces. How can design further this effort and help to create more livable, equitable streets?  Join us for a conversation about shared data, transportation technology, and civic responsibility with three leaders in the field of mobility design. Panelists:...
DesignPrep | Reimagining Mobility with BMW Group’s Designworks
Participants will work with Mike Milley, the Director of Creative Consulting at the BMW Group's Designworks studio, to learn about and practice techniques designers use to understand users and think creatively about the opportunities and challenges of the future. 
Design Pulse: What is the Future of Mobility Design?
Leading figures in design, transportation, and technology share their perspectives on the future of mobility.
Rendering of the view of the street from the front seat of a car, with text and iconography noting elements of the cityscape.
Who Owns the City of the Future?
Autonomous vehicles, electric cars, and ride-sharing applications are disruptive innovations that hold unknown outcomes for society.
Dream Car
From the Object of the Day archives, a blog post on the concept cars designed by Pete Wozena for General Motors.