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Drew Smith: design strategist, journalist and host of CreativeMornings/London

Oct 25, 2011

CreativeMornings/London Interviews: Chris Hatherill of super/collider

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When I was a kid, the sciences straight-up fascinated me. Early high-school experiments looking at boiling points, the insides of rodents and the creation of artificial flavours and scents meant that science classes were a thrice weekly doorway to enchantment. 

Then it all got a bit complicated. Science was broken down into chemistry, biology and physics and exploration came with too many rules. As my brain coallesced into something more creative-right than linear-left, I found myself left behind.

 

Then earlier this year I was introduced to the work of super/collider. Here was a collective of scientists, journalists and artists working to rekindle the wonder I felt so many years ago. Taking the best of word, image and object to make the sciences accessible again, they hope to pry us away from the horrors of mass media and get us re-engaged with the whys, hows and whats of the world around us.

 

Given the above, I’m beyond excited to have Chris Hatherill of super/collider as our guest at CreativeMornings/London on November 4th, hosted by Buro Happold, Happold Consulting and Sense Worldwide.

 

Take a minute to get to know Chris with our regular interview below and check out super/collider’s luscious site here.

 

Chris Hatherill will be appearing at CreativeMornings/London on Friday November 4th at Buro Happold at 71 Newman St, W1T 3AH. For more information and to reserve tickets, please go to the CreativeMornings London Eventbrite page.
Where do you go when you need to concentrate? 

The roof of the building we’re in – otherwise known as the Dalston Roof Park. The Bootstrap Company, who run the building as a social enterprise, have built an urban oasis up there complete with allotments, solar panels, astroturf and picnic benches. It’s a great place to go, sit, think and watch the city and the sky. 

Is it about what you know or who you know? 

A bit of both, which sucks because I’m really bad at networking! 

What’s been the most pivotal point in your life thus far? 

Moving to London from Montréal ten years ago – a huge leap which I’ve never regretted making despite missing friends, smoked meat sandwiches, distinct seasons, etc. 

Do you think there’s enough discourse between disciplines? 

I think there’s an ever-increasing discourse, which is great, and it’s only going to get better as we all become more used to trying our hand at new things. We no longer have to be the specialists we once were, and I think that’s breaking down barriers. 

Can you teach innovation? 

You can definitely lead by example. I would be terrified if someone locked me in an office and told me to spend the afternoon ‘innovating’, but I could be inspired by something someone did and run with it. 

Dollar or Yuan? 

Neither, it’s time for a global currency and a proper global government. 

Do you believe in an afterlife? 

No, but I’m hoping a part of the brain lives on – even briefly – immediately after death and can access your entire memory bank at the speed of light. Seeing your whole life in fast forward (or reverse?) would be quite a grand finale. 

Negative or positive freedom? 

Neither, freedom is neutral – it’s what you do with it that counts. 

Ideal holiday? 

Lagrange 4, Lagrange 5, or anywhere in Spain. 

Can you draw? 

Only with a mechanical pencil, ruler and architectural stencil set – otherwise it’s like a drunken child but not in a cool, funny way. 

Can you draw us a wave? 

Does a sine /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ wave count? 

Individual or state (or both)? 

Whatever it is they’re doing in Scandinavia. 

Favourite LP? 

Sonic Youth Dirty quadruple vinyl box. 

Last book read? 

Just Kids by Patti Smith 

The best piece of advice you’ve ever received? 

“Work hard and be nice to everyone” – I read it on someone’s shirt about two months ago but it’s working pretty well so far. 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are? 

D.I.Y. 

 

CreativeMornings is a monthly speaker series and morning gathering of creative types. Each event includes a 15-20 minute lecture, followed by a 20 minute group discussion. The gathering begins at 8:30am with the topic presentation starting at 9:00am and everyone taking off for work at 10am. CreativeMornings are free of charge and is made possible this month by Buro Happold, Happold Consulting and Sense Worldwide.. There are currently 16 chapters: New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, Zurich, London, Vancouver, Berlin, Stockholm, Auckland, Atlanta, Boston, Milan, Portland, Seattle and Budapest *phew*

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