CA²RE / Ohren / Framework

1. Introduction:

Different forms of collaboration characterize my practice. I work with long processes, projects that extend over several years. The projects are often based on an interest in place, local resources, and social contexts. Within the given framework of the projects, social and environmental issues are given focus. In this research project, I bring together my practice as an architect working with communities and self-build projects, and my curatorial practice exploring different contexts through art projects and architectural interventions.

2. Description

Through my curatorial and architectural practice, I will investigate how site-specific frameworks for architecture and site development can be used as a basis for open processes where sustainability, participation, and social inclusion are the guiding principles. For the last few years, I have worked with open processes, by setting up projects where uncertainty takes place within given frames. The uncertainty gives room for spontaneous involvement and initiative. (Pløger, Førde og Sand 2021)

Through architectural interventions, art projects, and resident initiatives, I will develop a framework for sustainable architecture and site development. In the role of architect and curator, I will, in collaboration with others involved, create the frames for projects that investigate specific places. The overall project will investigate how site-specific artistic and architectural interventions can be catalysts for long-term processes in a place. Is it possible to use interventions as a basis for planning and at the same time retain the open process and the opportunities that it creates? How can the shared experiences created in the neighborhoods be transferred to other agencies in a way that secures the local commitment and perspectives that emerge from the projects?

Figure 1: “From the construction site of the self-build project at Svartlamon” photo: Nøysom arkitekter

In search of examples, it is natural for me to start with Svartlamon, a community I know well both as a resident and through various projects. Svartlamon is an area on the east side of Trondheim that was defined as an urban ecological experimental area in 2001. The regulatory plan is unique in its kind. With a focus on participation, community, experimentation, and urban ecology, it forms the framework for liveable life in the community. The process that led to the regulation was largely driven forward by the residents themselves. In the 80s, artists, and activists moved into the old houses in the area and began to get involved in the fight against their demolition. The regulatory plan from 2001 is a result of this struggle and in many ways an activist product. (Sager 2016) Twenty years later, Svartlamon is a vibrant semi-autonomous community with an active local democracy. For me, this stands out as the foremost example we have in Norway of an alternative process, where the framework for the development of an area was defined by the residents themselves. In my Ph.D., I will, by learning from Svartlamon, investigate whether it is possible to change current processes by using activist initiatives as a basis for developing alternative frameworks.

Figure 2: “Meeting between architects and self-builders” photo: Nøysom arkitekter

Figure 3: “The experimental houses at Svartlamon” photo: Nøysom arkitekter

The open curatorial framework

The open curatorial frameworks are overall frameworks for different projects, but at the same time, they are spaces of opportunity that will facilitate interventions and artistic projects to exist on their terms. The frameworks are also open in the sense that they are developed and changed together with the actors involved in the projects at any given time. The people involved can, together with the frameworks, be seen as systems with the ability to change and adapt - and thus be explored as potentially sustainable systems. By using open curatorial frameworks as a starting point to invite artists, architects, and students to explore specific places, the project will reflect through action. The curatorial practice is built on trust between all involved - a fundamental belief in the artistic processes underpins the projects.

Although each project will have its own overall framework - which is developed together with the people involved - I envision 3 basic pillars that will be common to the approach.

Pillar 1: Site-specific framework

The framework for each project is developed in dialogue with the site and those involved, the dialogue is created through speculative and activist initiatives. By increasing the perspectives and interests that are expressed in the cities, we increase the adaptive capabilities of the systems and make them more robust and sustainable. (Holling 2001).

Pillar 2: Openness and trust as a basis for participation

In open processes, where people are allowed to actively participate, an uncertainty occurs that interests me (Sendra and Sennett 2020). In my projects, uncertainty tends to take place within a given framework. The frames are often manifested in something physical. Nevertheless, the social framework within which the projects exist is at least as important, where collaboration and mutual trust are central.

Pillar 3: Frugality as an entry point to understanding sustainability

A frugal approach to resources is consistent in my practice, and an approach I want to explore further through the research project. Frugality is about being satisfied with less and having a conscious attitude toward the use of resources.

Figure 4: “From the social space of the exhibition constant. Decay. – curated by RAKE” photo: RAKE

Figure 5: “RAKE visningsrom moving to a new location” photo: RAKE

3. The Project areas

I propose to link the Ph.D. to two project areas where I will have a presence over time, these are starting points for further exploration.

Lademoen in Trondheim, Norway

Trondheim municipality has selected Lademoen as an area development project (områdesatsning) for the coming years. The city council emphasized the need for the participation of the residents and the importance that the measures should benefit everyone. Lademoen is an area with great social differences and for the area investment to be for everyone, it must be ensured that a diversity of perspectives can be expressed. In the worst case, an area development project can push certain groups out. This is a sensitive process where one must constantly ask, "for whom are we doing this?"

In collaboration with the project managers for the area development, I start my involvement in a public park called Strandveiparken. Strandveiparken will be upgraded and further developed as an urban space. In further work on the park, emphasis is placed on the involvement of children and youth. In collaboration with postdoc. Alexander E. Furunes, we propose to start engaging the youth through a co-creation process.

Sletteløkka in Oslo (district Bjerke)

In 2019, work began on establishing a new common house (Grendehuset) at Sletteløkka in Oslo. The project engaged the residents in defining, designing, and building. Grendehuset was ready for use in December 2021. After Grendehuset was established, the residents feel that the sense of community has been strengthened - now they have a place to meet. There are many opportunities for further development of the area. The first step is to build an extension to Grendehuset, which is planned to be completed in the fall of 2023. The residents want the new extension to become an "art house". Related to this, I, visual artist Charlotte Rostad and Alexander Eriksson Furunes will develop a curatorial program for the community. The curatorial framework will be a starting point for inviting other artists, architects, and students to investigate the site together with the residents. We are also starting on developing the outdoor area in front of Grendehuset, and the process of establishing a meeting place on the opposite side of the area together with residents there.