ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that the ability to influence the future has been cornered by powerful special interests and new tech monopolies that shape our views of what is possible. It makes the case that cities will not be able to overcome the complex challenges they face unless futures thinking is democratised. This means creating new capacity amongst many more diverse people to explore and articulate their alternative and desirable visions of the future. Showcasing a range of examples of “participatory futures” methods from around the world, this chapter highlights the role of new digital technologies and techniques from art, design, and theatre in creating new platforms for public imagination.
