Lo―TEK: Design by Radical Indigenism,” authored by Julia Watson and designed by W―E studio, challenges the prevailing mythology of technology that has long ignored indigenous wisdom and innovation. Watson, a designer, activist, and academic, draws on her interdisciplinary expertise to highlight the importance of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.

The book critiques the Eurocentric ideology that has historically dismissed indigenous practices as primitive, emphasizing the need to integrate indigenous wisdom into modern design approaches. Through four chapters spanning Mountains, Forests, Deserts, and Wetlands, Watson explores diverse indigenous perspectives from 18 countries, showcasing millennia-old techniques for sustainable living in harmony with nature.

With a foreword by anthropologist Wade Davis, “Lo―TEK” presents a radical reimagining of human-nature relationships, advocating for designs that leverage biodiversity and soft systems rather than relying solely on hard infrastructures. The tactile reading experience, featuring copper highlights and a cardboard hardcover, mirrors the ethos of the book, which seeks to reveal hidden technological knowledge embedded in indigenous traditions.

Julia Watson’s work not only challenges conventional design paradigms but also offers practical insights for fostering sustainability and resilience in the face of global environmental crises.