Possible futures and the power of imagination
In order for a good future to become a reality, we must first be able to imagine it. There are numerous possibilities for what the future can be like. When we can imagine a positive and desirable future, we can start taking actions and making decisions that lead us towards that desired outcome.
Imagination is the superpower of humans. However, for adults, imagination can sometimes be challenging, especially when envisioning good and desirable futures, which requires extra effort. We often need various workshops and methods to assist us in the process. Children are experts in imagination.
“The museum sees us!”
The BestBeloved Museum visited Oulu’s daycare centers to discuss good futures with children. In future workshops, children had the opportunity to design a BestBeloved children’s museum for Oulu. First, we crafted future glasses that helped us see the good futures more clearly. Then, we took a time jump into the future to see what it looks like.
Future glasses help to see good futures better.
Hope, love, and attention to nature and animals became various symbols on these future glasses.
“A door that is always open to everyone”
The museum was seen as a place where families can come and have fun together. It was important that the museum had plenty to see and explore. Children wished for various climbing opportunities, a rocking horse, a rainbow slide, and an archaeological excavation site in the children’s museum.
The museum must have a rainbow slide and a cheerful aunt who welcomes visitors.
All senses to the museum
Secret doors, task tracks, and small hidden corners are important in the children’s own museum. Children should be able to play roles like house play in a playhouse, camping play by a campfire, animal care, and dressing up. They should be able to experience things with all their senses. A calming place is needed where one can stop to relax and read. The museum should also accommodate singing and dancing. Mythical creatures such as fairies, elves, unicorns, and dragons intrigued many.
Colorful colors, colored lights, and treasure chests with diamonds were seen in many plans.
Museossa pitää olla mukava ravintola, josta saa jättilihapullia, monenmoisia herkkuja sekä keittolounasta. Siellä saa syödä myös omia eväitä.
Emotional intelligence and managing different emotions were concerns for children. They wished for a fear practice room where they could practice courage and optimism for the future – crucial skills in this era, also for adults.
The fear practice room is under construction.
The museum's yard should have a nice playground with a climbing frame, slide, trampoline, carousel, fruit trees, and a water pool.
From January to February 2024, 8 children’s future workshops were organized in Oulu’s daycare centres, with 108 children participating.
Images and text: Karoliina Autere, BestBeloved Museum Project Manager