Renaturalization factory; participatory fabrication of nature

Abstract

As a result of rapid urbanization certain challenges have increased such as environmental pressure and social exclusion. This calls for sustainable ways of dealing with continuous city expansion. Evenemangsområdet is at the center of discussions about how Gothenburg should expand but the municipality’s proposal has been critiqued not least because of its exclusive process and its ignorance towards local ecological values. The objective of this thesis is to explore possible futures for a site within Evenemangsområdet by speculating about how that site could become renaturalized through citizen engagement. The site is currently underused, both from a human and nonhuman perspective, meaning that it provides little value to either group. The research is qualitative and partially speculative. Through a case study analysis, mapping of opportunities, and speculative design, the thesis focuses on social and ecological sustainability, and alternative tools for urban designers through the following themes: human and nonhuman actors, temporary activation, disruptive architecture, wilderness, renaturalization, speculation, scenario, prototyping, participation, and alternative mapping. The site analysis focuses on social, cultural and ecological aspects and makes out the foundation for the speculative design proposal that follows. It focuses on the two local assets that frame the site: Stora Katrinelund landeri and Mölndalsån. The thesis results in a speculative design proposal of a temporary activation project – the Renaturalization Factory. With a common mission to renaturalize the site, people could mobilize around the Garden Cart, a prototype that facilitates collective gardening. The goal of the factory is to convert asphalted areas into a renaturalized landscape. The activation would be the operation of the factory. As the Anthropocene makes itself heard through climate disasters around the world, it seems as if more people come to realize the urgency of the situation. Through the activistic and disruptive activity of breaking up asphalt to plant seeds of future ecological resistance, the Renaturalization Factory engages those who are scared, angry and hopeful. Those who see the site as a site of opportunities. This thesis is a statement to move more radically towards ecologically and socially sustainable urban practice.