Tools for a Warming Planet is an ongoing collection and series of engagements jointly run Sara Dean and Beth Ferguson.
Sara Dean’s work engages cities towards greater equity and adaptability, especially around systemic issues of climate change. She is Associate Professor and MDes Director at Stamps School of Art and Design at University of Michigan and Principal of IF/THEN Studio. Sara has exhibited work globally, including Shenzhen Biennale, Hangaram Design Museum, Ars Electronica, and Dutch Design Week. Her work has been featured in media including BBC News, Wired Italy, Devex, National Geographic, National Public Radio, Artsy, and The Guardian. She has been an Exploratorium Urban Fellow and American Arts Incubator Fellow for her research on climate adaptive design, and is an upcoming Institute for Public Architecture resident.Beth Ferguson is an ecological designer whose work integrates solar engineering, sustainable transportation, and eco materials to advance climate resilience and public engagement. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Design at UC Davis, where she directs the Adapting City Lab and Circular Futures Lab. Her collaborative projects have been exhibited internationally, including at Ars Electronica, Dutch Design Week, and the Exploratorium Museum. Ferguson has held residencies with Autodesk Technology Center, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, and ZERO1 in New Zealand. Her work has been featured in Fast Company, BBC News, The New York Times, Wired Italy, and Radio New Zealand.