The Why Factory is a global think-tank and research institute led by Professor Winy Maas, a founding partner of the renowned architectural firm MVRDV. Based at Delft University of Technology, The Why Factory combines research and education to explore alternative possibilities for the development of cities and the planet.
At its core, The Why Factory aims to analyze, theorize, and construct future cities through a unique blend of science and fiction. It produces future scenarios that range from universal to specific and global to local, envisioning hypothetical societies and cities. The institute's findings are communicated to a broad public through various means, including exhibitions, publications, workshops, and panel discussions.
The Why Factory has a prolific output, with a series of books titled the "Future Cities Series," which includes titles such as "Visionary Cities," "The Vertical Village," and "Copy Paste." These publications reflect the institute's focus on imagining and designing future urban landscapes.
The Why Factory also engages in collaborative projects, such as the recent studio "OnTheGo," which brought together students from TU Delft and IIT Chicago to design adaptable hotels for populations on the move. The institute's work has been exhibited globally, including at the Business of Design Week in Hong Kong and the Dutch Design Week.
Under Winy Maas' leadership, The Why Factory has become a significant platform for exploring and debating the future of urbanism and architecture. Its work challenges conventional thinking and invites a broader audience to engage with the possibilities of future cities.