Planetary participation: from human-centric to human-planet design
| Course | Semester 6 (Undergrad year 3) design studio |
| Institute | ENSA Normandie |
| Location | Rouen, France |
| Year | 2023/24 Spring Semester |
+ Info
Teacher: Rosalia Leung Ho-Ching
Students: Léa Auvray, Clémence Diho, Alyaa El Kahlout, Elodie Keyewa, Lou Guezennec, Julia Samtleben, Lucie Duboc, Sheldy Kissoun, Simon Leroy, Cloé Lorance, Camille Zimmermann, Victoire Mollet, Inès Bonenfant, Marie-France Caillouel, Luca Leroy, Pauline Praconte, Lorène Carbrol, Lucie Hogard, Paul-Louis Lochard, Alexandre Rouxel, Léa Champion, Réda Mestaghanmi, Floriane Guillon
Course Abstract
Theme: Sustainability, ecology, nature in city, human/ non-human cohabitation
In this design studio conducted in semester S6, students have explored the often overlooked relationship between humans and other species in urban landscapes. With urbanization and climate change as challenges, we questioned the conventional human-centric design approach and sought a sustainable path forward to reimagine new design ideas which cater both human and environmental needs, using the historical city of Rouen and ENSA Normandie as study sites.
The studio was divided into three phases: observation, prototype and project.
Starting with observing building details like windows, facades, balconies, and roofs etc, students have closely documented and reviewed existing architecture elements and understood how wild animals, insects, plants find their ways to survive around the city through drawings, photos and videos.
Based on reflections on existing ways of design, students were guided to develop a design prototype (in this case an installation) at the school park which aimed to accommodate the needs of other beings while at the same time enhancing interaction between human and non-human beings. Different topics have been developed based on the needs for both humans and non-humans, such as water, food waste, circulation, recycling etc.
In the last phase, students were guided to expand their investigation into the scale of architecture and develop a design project for the school extension which can be beneficial to both human and other beings.
The studio challenges students to strive for sustainable architectural designs that embrace the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the environment using the school campus as a testing ground. In order to engage the topic in a cross-disciplinary approach, lectures, field visits and reviews were organised such that environmental associations (Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux & Le Groupe Mammalogique Normand), ornithologists and local landscape architects were invited to join and offer feedback during the semester.
