From March 15 to 17, 2024, the exhibition BUILT ENVIRONMENT took place in the PATIO project space in Kiel. In addition to the works on display, a participatory approach was used.
The PATIO project space is a newly created place where various projects are realized and made accessible. The exhibition BUILT ENVIRONMENT focuses on how we deal with our built environment. The transformation of the space, which was originally a carpentry workshop, then used as a furniture warehouse and now offers space for an art studio with exhibition space, was directly incorporated into a mural.
The mural inside the exhibition picks up on the building structure, in particular the slightly sloping roof and the skylights. The image thus abstracts the structural shell in which these different uses were and are possible. A reference to the flexibility of existing architecture is shown, which is not immediately apparent in such a profane building. In addition, other works were shown that deal with the changing perception and appreciation of existing architecture.
For a participatory approach, the visitors answered suitable questions. They were asked about their thoughts, ideas and suggestions for a climate-friendly and socially responsible built environment. The answers were very varied. But everyone agreed on one thing. Things cannot go on as they are.
The answers can be summarized under the following three topics.
ECOLOGICAL
A variety of approaches are seen in the ecological building perspective. Heat protection / green roofs and façades / use of local materials / less sealing and more green spaces / less concrete and more wood.
SOCIAL
Low-threshold participatory approaches to knowledge transfer are desired. The right to have a say in participation processes should be used to build in line with demand, which can be reinforced by alliances/networks. Intersectional perspectives must be taken into account.
ECONOMIC
The greatest overlap exists in the demand for affordable housing. This goes hand in hand with a critique of capitalism, which creates an imbalance. There is also a desire for freely usable space where people can be loud and creative.
In conclusion, the exhibition shows that a broad audience feels addressed by the topic and is also willing to participate. In my view, this exchange is extremely important in order to determine where there are overlaps and thus to change something together.
Please leave a comment here for feedback or further ideas.
Comments