The [Social] Edge:
Regenerative Design Practices in Higher Education
Master of Research 2018 The Glasgow School of Art
available at : http://radar.gsa.ac.uk/6224/1/2018_Paradise_Lorianna_MRes.pdf
Abstract:
This research project examined how socially regenerative practices promoted in eco/intentional communities (with a special focus on the Findhorn Ecovillage) can be applied in a mainstream higher education setting. The global environmental crisis is addressed here through social means. Based in the Highlands of Scotland, the design research was undertaken using a practice-led method. The practice was performed through the researcher/designer/artist’s process of “living as form” (social and cultural) embedment method. Living as form, is the term applied to socially engaged artworks that take the form of what they engage with rather, than an abstract representation of them. Along with embedment and community engagement, other methods used were “go-along” walking interviews, long form interviews, course enrolment, and participatory performance workshops. This project takes a meta delineation of the design research study, process, and outcomes (including this text), as the form of practice and an art piece. Socially regenerative design methods were applied to test their effectiveness and examine their prevalence within local eco/intentional communities and were subsequently introduced into the mainstream higher education setting at Glasgow School of Art’s (GSA) Highlands Campus. It was concluded that the Highlands Campus could benefit from further investigation of socially regenerative skills, especially those related to communication, mindfulness, and group work.
Regenerative Design Practices in Higher Education
Master of Research 2018 The Glasgow School of Art
available at : http://radar.gsa.ac.uk/6224/1/2018_Paradise_Lorianna_MRes.pdf
Abstract:
This research project examined how socially regenerative practices promoted in eco/intentional communities (with a special focus on the Findhorn Ecovillage) can be applied in a mainstream higher education setting. The global environmental crisis is addressed here through social means. Based in the Highlands of Scotland, the design research was undertaken using a practice-led method. The practice was performed through the researcher/designer/artist’s process of “living as form” (social and cultural) embedment method. Living as form, is the term applied to socially engaged artworks that take the form of what they engage with rather, than an abstract representation of them. Along with embedment and community engagement, other methods used were “go-along” walking interviews, long form interviews, course enrolment, and participatory performance workshops. This project takes a meta delineation of the design research study, process, and outcomes (including this text), as the form of practice and an art piece. Socially regenerative design methods were applied to test their effectiveness and examine their prevalence within local eco/intentional communities and were subsequently introduced into the mainstream higher education setting at Glasgow School of Art’s (GSA) Highlands Campus. It was concluded that the Highlands Campus could benefit from further investigation of socially regenerative skills, especially those related to communication, mindfulness, and group work.
photo credit Tanya Dyhin
Building from the Wonderfarm BL42 project,
The Berlin Stargarden Project
translates sustainable living into an urban environment. Started in 2012 and based in Berlin, Germany the perimeters of lifestyle are formed based on ecological concerns and self-reliance. The creation of domestic necessities and comforts are met by repurposing and recycling materials; with around 95% of the furnishings being selfmade and from upcycled materials. A seasonal portion of food needs are met by a small organic garden balcony. Making the most of the small space is a priority.
The Berlin Stargarden Project
translates sustainable living into an urban environment. Started in 2012 and based in Berlin, Germany the perimeters of lifestyle are formed based on ecological concerns and self-reliance. The creation of domestic necessities and comforts are met by repurposing and recycling materials; with around 95% of the furnishings being selfmade and from upcycled materials. A seasonal portion of food needs are met by a small organic garden balcony. Making the most of the small space is a priority.
The Wonderfarm BL42 Project is an ongoing site specific, living as form, and socially engagement project started in 2008, by Lorianna Paradise and Bernd Hartmann.
Located in the mountains of the Southern Pacific zone of Costa Rica, the project is a living farm environment/ art installation based on sustainable, environmentally aware, permaculture principles.
A little bit of the story...
The finca or farm site originally had no structures, no source of running water, and no electricity.
For a long while basic maintenance of daily life was not for the meek. Though cooking over fire, and running into a rainforest downpour to wash your hair has it's charms, they tend to wear thin for folks accustomed to a more hospitable arrangement.
So everything had to be built by hand and with limited funding recycling materials came naturally.
It is a long term project that is always growing and changing. Today things are up and running and more large scale acts in the name of Art are planned.
The farm land had many old growth fruit trees, but about a hectare was opened as pasture land for cattle. The tall invasive grass species (read bountiful tick habitat), needed to be tamed first with the only tool up to the task: a trusty machete. Many experienced folks balked at the attempt to beat back the grass without chemical aids, but these two were bent on only organic methods and naive enough to try it. Today, the hundreds of planted trees seem to be keeping the grass at bay.
The dwelling structure, a shipping container still on its wheel rigging, is affectionately called "El Asteroide" or "The Asteriod" because in it's past life it had had a massive fire inside leaving charred interiors and a gaping hole in the roof. It's original condition was the makings of frightening lore, but today it is a cheery, functionally simple living space. Limited plumbing provides for some running water for showering and washing dishes, but the toilet is happily a rudimentary composting system. The interior space and the household decor were also crafted elaborately and lovingly by hand and with upcycled materials.