Atlanta 2040: What life will look like in the city’s third century

Our jackets could answer the phone

We’re probably already living in the dystopian future that everyone was scared of, but I think innovation will overcome. By 2040, either there will be strict laws for the way things are produced or the world will be so toxic that most fashion will become utilitarian. Hopefully, before that happens, we will create fabrics that are aesthetically desirable and ecoconscious. One of Atlanta’s strengths lies in technology and research. In fact, my current research involves creating textiles that you can touch to control personal electronics.

—Clint Zeagler, program manager at Georgia Tech’s Wearable Computer Center and guest lecturer at Savannah College of Art & Design