Let’s talk wild! - Einzelansicht

Untamed, fierce, undomesticated, feral, uncivilized, passionate, uncontrolled … Synonyms for the qualifier “wild” are multiple. In this semester we want to learn more about the term wild, its history, etymology, depiction and its transition.

In urban design we would refer to quite a few urban settings or phenomena as being wild. Leftover space (fully taken over by vegetation) as well as strange arrangements of typologies (caused by unplanned growth) or unfamiliar interpretations of programming might be filed in that category.

How are these spaces perceived? And why do we use this term to describe a condition? To think of something wild as something that isn’t tamed, and better be controlled, seems to be a natural line of thought in our society. Wild structures often have a negative aura: worthless, needless, rather in the need of upgrade. But what if the perception of the value of “wild” changes? Will wild leftover spaces suddenly win medals for being the necessary booster of stagnant biodiversity? How will that influence the way we think and work as designers and planners? Which role does “the wild” play for other disciplines? Surly others must be brainstorming and researching about “the wild”. Let’s bring our thoughts together: Let’s talk wild!

The seminar is conceived as a combination of roundtable talks with guests from other disciplines and an individual mapping task.

Roundtable: Three talks will be hosted during the semester, with the invited experts tackling the “wild” from various positions. We plan to invite two to three guests per session to ensure interdisciplinary exchange within the discussion.

Mapping Task: Which structures in the urban or rural fabric do we perceive as uncontrollably wild? What are the indicators that bring us to that judgement? And finally, do we file that as a negative or positive aspect? You will be challenged to pick an aspect of “wild” in the urban or rural and to fathom it. Document your research, findings and observations concerning this aspect in an informative and appealing graphic drawing (mapping, infographic). The task will be handed out during the first session and will be coached throughout the semester. Final presentation of the mappings will be July 1^st.

Visualization/mapping skills are required as well as open mindedness for the interdisciplinary exchange and engagement in the discourse. Interest in the “wild”.