Embedded Files
Mapping techniques extend beyond representing physical and geographical characteristics; providing a valuable tool for uncovering a wide range of previously hidden knowledge(s). From representing social relationscapes to resource use and power hierarchies, they offer visual means of communicating diverse experiences, making them valuable for multidisciplinary research. As part of the 'co-production' design approach, mapping offers the opportunity to visualise and engage with a plurality of actors and knowledges.
Mapping fosters an inclusive and accessible approach to research. It involves careful consideration of the context and the participants involved, accommodating different viewpoints and experiences in the process. The visual representation of spatial dimensions can unlock new ways of understanding complex issues, contributing to both research and design, particularly in disciplines such as urban planning, architecture, sociology, technology, and environmental sciences.
It is crucial to recognise that all maps are subjective readings/representations of reality. The choices made in the selection and omission of information reflect the lens through which the data is viewed. It is important to use reflexivity in employing mapping as a research tool, as it acknowledges the inherent subjectivity involved in the creation and interpretation of maps.
key references
Allen, A., and others. (2015). ‘Can Participatory Mapping Activate Spatial and Political Practices? Mapping Popular Resistance and Dwelling Practices in Bogotá Eastern Hills’, Area, 47.3, 261-71
Kollektiv Orangotango, (2018). This Is Not an Atlas A Global Collection of Counter-Cartographies, 2nd ed. (Bielefeld: transcript Verlag) OAPEN Open ebook
Manzini, E. (2015). Design, When Everybody Designs : an Introduction to Design for Social Innovation (Cambridge, MA ; London: The MIT Press) Ebook Central Academic Complete ebook
Petrescu, D. (2012). ‘Relationscapes: Mapping Agencies of Relational Practice in Architecture’, City, Culture and Society, 3.2, 135-40
CASE STUDIES
R-Urban Poplar's Collaborative mapping of networks, allies and spaces, 2023. credit: Public Works
R-Urban Work-nets: social sustainability through temporary use of space. Evolving networks of actors between 2001–2005. Credit: aaa.
Relations and processes generated by the spatial configurations and mobile devices of R-Urban ECObox (Excerpt from original diagram) Credit: aaa.
PRACTICE-LED RESEARCH PROJECT
PRACTICE-LED RESEARCH PROJECT
Mapping for Co-design
Mapping for Co-design
ECOBox Project by R-Urban, atelier d’architecture autogéréé (aaa), Paris.
Climate Learning project by R-Urban Poplar Public Works, London
project summary & co-production approach
ECOBox: is a temporary garden, made out of recycled materials on a derelict site located in the La Chapelle area in the North of Paris. ECObox has been progressively extended into a platform for urban creativity, curated by the aaa members, residents and external collaborators, catalysing activities in the whole neighbourhood. The platform is initiated by aaa as a collective space in the city promoting everyday life activities (gardening, cooking, chatting, DIY making, reading, debating etc.), understood as creative practices in urban contexts. It has moved three times, taking different forms in different locations and involving new users.
R-Urban Poplar: Located in London, R-Urban Poplar’s Climate Learning project looks to empower citizen action on climate change through shaping the built environment. Alongside prototyping technology and infrastructures, the project runs publicly open programmes, including workshops, classes and events. These co-creation methods contribute to collective learning processes and bring communities together as part of forming a future of stronger caring relations.
methods for co-producing knowledge + co-design
Co-Learning Practices - Co-designing learning and teaching programmes alongside a wide range of skills and knowledge within the community creates an effective design scale for many with different backgrounds and experiences.
Mapping Networks, Allies and Spaces - Using co-mapping methods to open up spatial narratives and share pluriversal experiences.
Strengthening The Network - Creating a continuously changing and evolving learning space, which allows the expansion of project networks.
entanglements of justice in co-production and design
‘Radical change is not going to happen in modern society without the involvement of many’ (Petcou and Petrescu, 2015, p. 260). Co-learning and co-creating can lead to the empowerment of citizens to act. Created through carefully thought-out scale-appropriate interventions, the strength of this learning approach is that it has the opportunity to continue to grow to include more citizens within its ever-widening network, and therefore be the catalyst of further action.
key references
Petcou, C., and Petrescu, D. (2015). ‘R-URBAN or How to Co-Produce a Resilient City’, Ephemera, 15.1, 249-262
Petrescu, D. (2012). ‘Relationscapes: Mapping Agencies of Relational Practice in Architecture’, City, Culture and Society, 3.2, 135-40 <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccs.2012.06.011>
Public Works, ‘R-Urban 2012→ Poplar, London’, Public Works, [n.d.] <https://www.publicworksgroup.net/projects/r-urban-wick/> [accessed 19 June 2024]
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