Observe themes
In today's world, individuals often struggle with identity and connection. When surrounded by uncertainty, care becomes our compass.
Our Methodology
TOTEM by dsm-firmenich is a new value system that identifies the forces shaping the future and translates them into guiding symbols for consumer behaviors.
In today's world, individuals often struggle with identity and connection. When surrounded by uncertainty, care becomes our compass.
We analyzed the macro-forces shaping the future and translated them into five personas that will guide consumer preferences.
We invited eleven Sentinels—artists, activists, and visionaries living at the threshold of tomorrow—to share how they live through the lens of care.
— Giacomo Salizzoni, Italy (Gaian)
Founder of Orti Dipinti, transforming forgotten spaces in Florence into vibrant and bio-diverse green sanctuaries
— Loumi Le Floc’h, Belgium (Gaian)
Designer of Precious Peels, an international exhibit that transforms eggplant into translucent materials reminiscent of stained glass
— Uno Fujisawa, Netherlands (Amazurian)
Artist and chef whose work blends food, nature, and design to explore how the everyday can become extraordinary
— Willi Lempert, Australia (Amazurian)
Anthropology professor at Bowdoin College, studying Aboriginal Australian representation in media
— Jenny Dorsey, Singapore (Amazurian)
Founder of Studio ATAO, promoting diversity in food careers; currently a Fulbright scholar researching food access in Singapore’s hawker centers
— Beth Silverman, USA (Endurian)
Founder of Lotus Campaign, an organization that rethinks homelessness and its solutions
— Mike Keen, United Kingdom (Endurian)
Chef and explorer currently studying ancestral food and diets
— Leo Igwe, Nigeria (Youtharian)
Professor at the University of Cape Town, studying transhumanism as a means to end racial designations
— Cori Crider, Spain (Youtharian)
Senior Fellow at Open Markets and the Future of Tech Institute, examining ways to reshape digital markets for people and planet
— Pauline Rip, France (Utopian)
Artist blending fantasy and design to challenge societal beliefs and values
— Jabez Mutoria King'ori, Kenya (Utopian)
Virtual and Augmented Reality developer exploring the edges of immersive and decentralized tech
Every element of this immersive experience is designed to inspire – whether through bold provocation or thoughtful reflection.
Leave your desks and decks. Here, look, touch, listen, smell, taste, and feel the future.
Care underpins the entire framework of TOTEM: care for ourselves, others, and the planet. The Sensorium is designed to be reciprocal, where every experience calls to be nurtured.
Explore and embody alternative narratives. TOTEM challenges the status quo and creates new, eye-opening bridges between the past and our futures.
Insight often lives at the tension point, where humans struggle with their inner demons. Each Totem is defined by its light – and its shadow.
The Sensorium is an atmosphere of creativity and mutual discovery in an intimate setting with limited seating.
Once you’ve stood at the edge, you return with new eyes. See yourself, your brand, and the world at-large in ways you never could before.
With the world reshaped, we’re unveiling a fresh perspective for what comes next.
Our findings go beyond traditional market research by combining data, foresight, and academic rigor.
Each global region designs its space with local artists and eco-friendly materials — reducing our footprint while also celebrating diversity.