Join us in this inspiring session where we will present the Native Learning Garden project, a transformative initiative that has been implemented over the past three years in 10 rural schools in southern Chile. This project revitalized empty and neglected spaces within the schools, turning them into active learning environments that foster a deep connection with nature. Through hands-on activities, students are encouraged to explore, collaborate, and engage with their surroundings in ways that enhance their territorial identity and develop essential 21st-century skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork. Participants in this session will gain insight into the impact of these gardens on rural education and how they serve as living laboratories for students to connect with their natural heritage while fostering curiosity and a lifelong passion for learning. Come discover how nature can be a powerful tool for education and help inspire the next generation of learners!
Dark Matter Labs is a not-for-profit multidisciplinary group focused on exploring and developing the institutional infrastructure necessary for the civic economy of the 21st century. Our initiative, 'Trees-as-Infrastructure' [Trees-AI], reimagines urban trees and green spaces as fundamental components of urban infrastructure.
Nature-infrastructures are recognised crucial to enhance resilience and support communities in adapting to climate change, yet investment in nature-based solutions are still falling short. Through a blend of technology, and innovative regulatory and accounting practices, Trees-AI aims to create actionable paths to enable diverse stakeholders to come together to find these critical initiatives, thus ensuring their long-term viability and sustainability, and contributing to make urban space more liveable, and foster stronger and healthier communities.
Join us for a down-to-earthly presentation of "Bog Bothy," a transformative placemaking project collaborating with Irish peatland communities to co-create bothies—spaces for shelter, retreat, and profound engagement with the evolving landscape. As Ireland transitions from peat extraction, this session delves into how architecture can uphold historical connections with the bog while safeguarding it for future generations.
With one-sixth of Ireland covered in bogs, the end of peat extraction marks a major environmental and social shift. This session addresses the challenges of this transition and issues of spatial justice for rural communities. By documenting historical and contemporary peatland architecture, "Bog Bothy" counters exclusionary narratives of 'wilderness' and 'rewilding' through understanding bogs as deeply cultural landscapes. It highlights the adaptive reuse of materials and knowledge from the peat industry, presenting bothies as symbols of positive change and community aspiration.
Participants will discover innovative methods to reconnect with post-industrial peatlands, gaining insights into architectural solutions that support environmental stewardship and community resilience. Bog Bothy is a collaboration between the Irish Architecture Foundation’s ‘Reimagine’ Placemaking Programme and 12th Field.
This project is uniquely positioned to inspire and educate festival attendees about innovative architectural responses to local design challenges and environmental transformation.
Farmers' markets and gardens provide fresh produce, physical and mental health to citizens. But the accessibility, attractiveness, social infrastructure and programming of these sites varies widely in their effectiveness to equitably attract and serve citizens. Learn best practices from around the world and from Ryan's own food system work.
During the session, we will cover:
Accessibility: Examining how different markets and gardens ensure access for all community members, including marginalized groups like seniors, children, refugees, low-income populations, micro-businesses, etc.
Attractiveness: Discussing strategies to make these sites more appealing and engaging for the public from wayfinding to social furniture, programming and layout.
Social Infrastructure: Exploring the social components that support community engagement and interaction at these sites including creating a "town square" feel.
Programming: Sharing successful programming ideas that enhance the value and utility of markets and gardens.
