LED Online Seminar 2019 - Working Group 1

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Dear working group members. This is your group page and you will be completing the template gradually as we move through the seminar. Good luck and enjoy your collaboration!

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Assignment 1 - Reading and Synthesizing Core Terminology

You can read more details about this assignment here
Readings are accessible via the resources page

Step 1: Your Landscape Democracy Manifestoes

Thi Mai's manifesto
Nayan's manifesto
Raquel's manifesto
Tatiana's manifesto

Step 2: Define your readings

Please add your readings selection for the terminology exercise before April 24:

A: Landscape and Democracy

Thi Mai Hanocq - The European Landscape Convention

B: Concepts of Participation

Nayan Jee- Hester, Randolph (2005): Whose Politics
Thi Mai Hanocq - Consensus Design
Tatiana Rodriguez Giesso- Hester, Randolph: A refrain with a view
Raquel Mego - Sanof, Henry (2014): Multiple Views of Participatory Design, Focus

C: Community and Identity

Nayan Jee- Welk Von Mossner, Alexa (2014): Cinematic Landscapes
Raquel Mego - Spirn, Anne: Resting Mill Creek

D: Designing

Thi Mai Hanocq - Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Sustainable Happiness
Raquel Mego - Hester, Randolph: Democratic Drawing - Techniques for Participatory Design
Smith, Nicola Dawn(2012): Design Charrette: A Vehicle for Consultation or Collaboration

E: Communicating a Vision

Nayan Jee- 'Reading the Landscape' by Simon Bell, EMU Tartu
Tatiana Rodriguez Giesso - Case study - Water Square Benthemplein

Steps 3 and 4: Concepts Selection and definition

Each group member selects three relevant concepts derived from his/her readings and synthesize them/publish them on the wiki by May 15, 2019
Group members reflect within their groups and define their chosen concepts into a shared definition to be posted on the wiki by June 12, 2019.
Other group members will be able to comment on the definitions until June 30, 2019
Each group will also report on their process to come to a set of shared definitions of key landscape democracy concepts on the wiki documentation until July 12, 2019

Concepts and definitions

Author 1: Thi Mai Hanocq

Europe Landscape Convention

- definition of the landscape - its identification in order to protect, manage and develop it - policy and interveners : "Landscape quality objectives" - Cooperation for a better effectiveness --> international programs

Consensus design

In the consensus design, the essence of situation is a common starting point, then comes the mood atmosphere which results from the essence of situation, then the time relationships agree chat is appropriate to moods and the physical substance results from the mood and the time relationships. During all the process, everything is dispassionately clear, all fits together and there is no argument

Resilient cities

- Sustainable - Focused on nature, green transport, ... - adapted activities - renewable energy, materials,... - integration of the community - human size and adaptibility

Author 2: Raquel Mego Arellan

Building a participatory democracy

Looking forward the empowerment of the community by involving the participation of the citizen and increasing sense of community among the population. One of the steps is to linked the sense of community with the place attachment at the individual and community scale, using design process that allows for social interaction and publicly affirming community values. For that reason, sense of community has become a key planning goal because citizens strive to solve community problems.

Environmental Justice for Inner-cities neighbourhoods
Non-verbal techniques forward a democratic landscape design:

In order to transform the non-spatial research, community designers use different methods to represent and design appropriately for people. For what designers and citizens needed mutual empathy and a common language to visualize the most profound synthesis of the situation and solve the real problem. Building Community Experientially and Mapping Sacred Landscapes are one of the most attractive techniques, emphasizing the experience of the place, by workshops and walking tours, and recognizing valuable places in the city.

Author 3: Tatiana Rodriguez Giesso

Public design for democracy

The "Charette" design gives everyone a vote and decision. It gives a voice to everyone, and can come to great solutions for certain issues, from people that maybe don't have a degree, or are legally capacitated to design/decide things in other areas, but have great ideas and can contribute to a big decision.

Community participation over justice

Advocacy alone can't solve justice, It need community participation. Justice needs a part close to power and a part close to the neighbors. Sometimes advocacy doesn't take into account everyone's needs, just a selected group; and every different group inside the society has to be heard, and not left behind, or be discriminated.

Building an identity through sustainability

In this particular case, Rotterdam made its water squares for storing water a public place, that is enabled for playing and enjoying while dry, and when filled with water too, as a semi lake. The concept found in this project is that ecology doesn't has to be just for aiding the environment, It can be enjoyed too, and it can make people conscious about what is happening in our planet; and it also creates an identity for the city that is caring for the world's health.

Author 4: Nayan Jee

Hester, Randolph (2005): Whose Politics- Five types of political stances followed by Landscape Architects, 1. Blissfully Naive- Believes design and politics as separate, 2. Savvy Naive- Takes side with the powerful, 3. Servants- Does everything the client asks for, 4. Contextualists- Takes sustainability into account and work, and 5. Catalysts- Shows the courage to challenge the establishment and are "Agents for real change or impact".

Welk Von Mossner, Alexa (2014): Cinematic Landscapes- An existing landscape can add meaning to a fictional film. Beasts of the Southern Wild. The fictional island of “Isle de Charles Doucet” threatened by erosion, hurricanes, and rising sea levels. It serves both the film and the site, bringing up the concerned/critical issues in the form of storytelling.

'Reading the Landscape' by Simon Bell, EMU Tartu- Visual and experiential aspects of the landscape. Reading Landscape- Character, Characteristics, Elements, Features, and Characterisation. Importance of sketching the landscape for analyzing and strategy making.

Step 5: Reflection

During a project impacting the landscape, we noticed that it is important to take into account the opinions of everyone. Indeed, for example, it is interesting to build a participatory democracy because it allows to increase the sense of community, create social interactions and develop community values. Another example is the “Charette” design which gives everyone a vote and decision so that, everyone can tell his opinion even if initially they are not the ones in charge of the project. However, even if it is important to consider everyone’s idea, it has to be done in the right way during the development of the project. Indeed, the consensus design gives better results than democracy as, in democracy, we should consider everyone’s idea very precise so, it is more difficult to find an agreement that satisfied everybody, while in the consensus design, the agreements are done step by step (first the essence of situation, then the mood atmosphere, then the physical substance…) so, the “dilemmas” are easier to resolve as the decisions to take are more logical (for example, the colour of a room depends on the function/mood agreed previously). We also noticed that nowadays, the sustainability is well developed in the cities, as the contextualists landscape architects does (they take sustainability into account). For example, there are the resilient cities focused to be sustainable, focused on nature, green transport, … but also on the renewable energy, the materials good for the environment, … Another example is the city of Rotterdam where the squares are designed to be able to store water when needed, and the users can enjoy the space both when it is dry or filled with water. This allies sustainability, comfort and also build the identity.

Step 6: Revised manifestoes

please look again at your initial manifestoes and update them with any new aspects/prespectives you have taken up during this seminar

Thi Mai Hanocq's updated manifesto
Raquel Mego's updated manifesto
Author's updated manifesto
Author's updated manifesto

Assignment 2 - Your Landscape Symbols

You can read more details about this assignment here

Landscape Symbols Author 1: Thi Mai Hanocq

(50° 15′ nord, 4° 36′ est) This picture has been taken in Florennes. It represents a memorial that was made in memory of the soldiers who died during the war 14-18. For me, it is a symbol because everybody in the city knows it, his height and surface attract the eyes of people and impact the landscape, and overall, all the names of the soldiers of my city who died during the war are written on it. Every year, a tribute is done in their honor. Also, I think that this kind of memorial is a track from the paste that allows (and that allowed me) to learn to the younger generations what happened during war.
(44° 30′ 00″ nord, 11° 21′ 00″ est) The Bologna Shoah Memorial is located in Bologna, near the train station. The memorial was made by the joint commitment of the Jewish community, institution and private citizens to remind of the shoah period, the empty orbits reminding of the cells in which people were living in concentration camp. The Municipality suggested to build it at the railway station where happened the bombing of 2 august 1980 which increases even more his nature of memory. For me, it is a landscape symbol because these “towers” are imposing and they impact the landscape, which allows to attract attention of people. This kind of memorial allows us to remember what happened in the past and this part of history is known by most of people. The memorial is understandable by everybody and it is also a track from the past which can learn to the younger generations what happened during war.
(50° 27′ nord, 3° 57′ est) This picture was taken in Mons, in Belgium and on the top, we can see the belfry. For me, belfries are landscape symbols because of their really imposing height and their history. Indeed, during the 17th century, people start building belfries, like the one in Mons to concurrence the church. They wanted to build buildings higher than churches, to show that they had more power. Today, it is a bit less meaningful, as there is not conflicts with the church anymore as there were when the belfry was built, but it is still part of the landscape and we can see it from a lot of places of the city and everybody in the region knows it. To conclude, I think it is a track of the past, but these days, I think that that belfry is more a landmark, thanks to its very high height than a “rebellion” movement, as the conflict between church and other citizens is not topical anymore

Landscape Symbols Author 2: Tatiana Rodriguez Giesso

This picture shows the diference between diferent classes in Argentina. How some people live, how they constructed their own houses and setteled with no permission what so ever from the gonverment. This represents the lack of power and determination from our government.
In the back of image we can see the parliament of Buenos aires, with a green roof. It is a very representative monument in my city. As it is the place where laws are discussed and signed, it also came to be a place of reunion for people manifesting and fighting for their own beliefs. This picture in particular, was taken last year. I chose it, because it shows one of the most popular disputes there has been in Argentina in the last years. It was for approving the law of abortion. As the picture shows, lots of people fighting in favor for abortion dressed in green.
This monument is located near the city center of Buenos Aires. It is the entrance to the Park Pereyra Iraola. It is a very well known park in Argentina. It belonged to a very wealthy family, and then, it was taken away by Peron, a really significative president we had, who, in between a lot of things, took away properties from the richest people, and made them public, not even maintaining them, and ruining them. This park, amongst other properties is not even used now, because of its deterioration; But it is a landmark that represents what Peron did.

Landscape Symbols Author 3: Raquel Mego Arellan

The Landscape symbols of the main city of Peru, Lima, changed over the years. In 1835 Lima center was designed by squares around a big park characterized by buildings with wood balconies in front of the streets. More of them constructed in Colony and Republican times. Lima center has been declared a World Heritage by Unesco in 1988, it concentrate 608 monuments and is one of the most important turistic places in Peru.
But after the migration of people from the Mountain Range to the Coast, around 1965 informal housing exceded formal property. The government could not control de urban growth, and they decided to create Laws that formalize the informal property. For that reason, another landscape symbol of Lima city is the informal hills occupation without accessibility. The picture show the district called El Agustino, located on the East side of Lima city.
On the other hand, in the west side of Lima city. Miraflores is one of the most attractive places in Peru, after Machu Picchu, because it concentrate recreation and commercial spaces in front of the sea.

Landscape Symbols Author 4: Nayan Jee

"Green-Grey and Gone"- Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad, India (coordinates- 22° 6' N and 72° 3' E). On the banks of Sabarmati River. Lacks a sustainable vision. Loss of habitat for animals and birds. Only for human gathering. Concrete turns extremely hot during summers. It is a concrete desert. Recreation at the cost of natural growth. Symbolic of human supremacy and intervention (destruction). Tag: Social (Anti- social).
"Nature for All"- Sarkhej Roza Complex, Ahmedabad, India (coordinates- 22° 9' N and 72° 5' E). Sarkhej Roza is a historical complex (mosques, palaces, tombs, water tanks etc.) built in medieval times in the city of Ahmedabad. Artificial tank- every living being can use the water. It helps to cool the surrounding which is hot and arid. Encourages social interaction. Modern high-rise buildings in the background. Modern Indian society lacks empathy for nature and other natural beings. Symbolic to wholesomeness. Tag: Historical and Sustainable.
"Not sorry for the inconvenience"- Pathway, Ahmedabad, India (coordinates- 22° 6' N and 72° 3' E). One needs to step back and look at the larger picture. Why has this man, set up an establishment for selling items on a pathway? Lack of planning in existing so-called modern cities. Inhumane environment accompanied by the lack of political willingness. Symbolic to social imbalance, unplanned growth. Tag: Political and social.

Assignment 3 - Role Play on Landscape Democracy "movers and shakers"

You can read more details about this assignment here

Assignment 4 - Your Landscape Democracy Challenge

You can read more details about this assignment here
Each group member will specify a landscape democracy challenge in his/her environment

Landscape Democracy Challenge 1: Thi Mai Hanocq

Protection of the hillsides in Liège, Belglium
caption: why did you select this case? I choose this case because it is in the city where I study, so, where I live most of the time, and the hillsides is an integral part of the landscape of the city. Also, this case is about preserving natural green area in the city, which I think is important. The hillsides of the citadel are a rural area of more than 90 hectares situated in the historical centre of Liège, in Belgium, and half of it are classed as natural heritage of Walloon Region and as Site with high biological interest (see the red zone on the map) as we can find more than 90 animal species with patrimonial value. In the site, we can find monuments that are classed too, and there are 13 km of arrowed walks. So, the hillsides are really a green lung near the historic heart of the city. It is situated in a place where they are not expected (in a good way) and they ally nature and patrimony. They also offer beautiful views on the city from different garden-terrace, meadows, orchards, …
caption: what is the issue/conflict (1) However, this remarkable site is threatenned by destructive project as the plantation of vines and the modification of the status of green zone into Agricole zone, degradation of the patrimony and landscape, privatisation of the public space, binding of highway, creation of parking for the hospital nearby. To protect the site, citizens created the association “Sauvegarde et Avenir des Coteaux” (Preservation and future of the hillsides) following the project of vines in 2012. They were supported by many inhabitants, students, schools, … In 2012, they had 4000 signatures on paper and 2145 on internet in only a few months. Indeed, they were against the project of vines because this would be an industrial exploitation, so more traffic, it would need pulverisation of pesticides many times a year which would impact the public health. It would also affect the environment, the fauna and flora, for example bees, very important for the pollination of flowers of our ecosystem and this intervention would also create erosion of soil. All that would decrease the attractivity of the place.
caption: what is the issue/conflict (2) Instead of this project of vines, citizens would prefer private parts opened to public, more walks, the development of a part of the hillside in a pedagogical way, … In blue is the perimeter of action of the association, in yellow, the park of the Citadel and the esplanade St leonard, in green are the zone of green spaces, in pink, the zones called “Favechamps” and “Terrasses des Minimes”, and the zone delimited in red, the place where the project of vines is. The links of the case with the UN's 17 sustainable development Goals are the Goal 3 : Good health and well-being, as the pesticides used will affect population’s health and Goal 15: Life on land as the zone would pass from its green area status to Agricole status
caption: who are the actors? The actors are the city and the citizens, as we can see on the photo where the petition was given to the city mayor during the municipal council. Then, the city mayor promised to listen the remarks/willing o the citizens about the hillsides.

Your references:

Landscape Democracy Challenge 2: Raquel Mego Arellan

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF “EL AGUSTINO” HILL
caption: I choose this problem, because it is one of the main problems in the urban development of Lima city. In this case, El Agustino hill; which is characterized by its location near one of the main roads of Lima, with steep slopes, rocky soil and difficult access. Producing an agglomeration of houses vertically, with difficulty of accessibility and without green areas for the community.
caption: The Law N° 28687 - Peru, Law on Complementary Development of Formalization of Informal Property, access to land and provision of basic services; encourages the informal occupation of land and the construction of housing in peri-urban areas and hillsides of Metropolitan Lima without green spaces or recreation areas.
caption: In order to solve the inaccesibility of the community and due to the location of the hill in the intersection of two main avenues of Lima city. The Ministry of Housing want to built a multifamily condominium with a cable car.
caption: The actors are the community, the Ministry of Housing of Peru, the Municipality “El Agustino” and informal companies of transportation.

Your references:

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Landscape Democracy Challenge 3 Tatiana Rodriguez Giesso

Healthy Stations
caption: why did you select this case? This case includes a better health education, energy saving, and it is also looking for an identity for Buenos Aires. I chose it, because education in Buenos Aires is very limited, and I think educating is the first step for creating a healthier place, and healthier human beings. The problems that are being enumerated embrace most of Argentina's population. The worrying from the government towards the citizens' health and entertainment called my attention.
caption: what is the issue/conflict (1)One of the problems is that, as gyms are expensive, and not everyone is able to afford them, people don't have a place to work out, and also, there are many people that don't know the importance of exercising, eating well and maintaining a healthy life style. There is nearly no education for that aspects in school. Therefore many people don't know about illnesses they may have, such as diabetes, and they also don't maintain a healthy routine, which drives to diseases, bad living, and deaths.
caption: what is the issue/conflict (2) Another conflict is the consumption of energy, which is a worldwide conflict, that with little acts can be saved. One of the UN's sustainable development goals is "affordable and clean energy" which is another of the two main concerns for this project. Electricity use has to be reduced; so Buenos Aires tries to do its best for further projects, and keep this issue into account.
caption: who are the actors? The people responsible for these stations are the president, and the gonverment's head. To go ahead with this project, they got to gather doctors, nurses, nutritionists, phyisical education teachers, and people specialized in workshops, to volunteer for working.

Your references:

Landscape Democracy Challenge 4 "Landscape in Education" Nayan Jee

Give a title to your challenge
caption: why did you select this case? Education Institutions in India lacks infrastructure both grey and green. There is a need to provide more clean and green spaces to the students. One learns more in natural environment. The environmental awareness must be seeded to every human at a very young age. Society and democracy both wins here.
caption: what is the issue/conflict (1) Scarcity of access to the green environment for the youth especially those living in urban India. Lack of funds allocated by the government for educational practices.
caption: what is the issue/conflict (2) Small or no playgrounds for students. As the proverb goes- "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy". Heavy investment is the need of the hour to enhance outdoor activities/experience for younger generation.
caption: who are the actors? Government, NGOs, Activists, Society, Youth. This is a full circle, interdependent on one another for larger goals. A healthy and educated society transforms democracy and landscape for good.

Your references:

SMITHSONIAN.COM in Sepetember 21, 2015
THE NATIONAL in February 18, 2017
MHRD, India website

Your Democratic Change Process

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Reflection

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Conclusion:

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Your references

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LED Online Seminar 2019 - Working Group 1

Contents

Assignment 1 - Reading and Synthesizing Core Terminology