Conceptual approach
2.4 PERFORMATIVE AESTHETICS The chapter concludes with a description of what it means to be inspired by ‘a performative melancholy’ and ‘a performative contemplation’ in the context of aesthetics in landscape architecture. This section describes the work done on aesthetics in relation to environmental issues by a selection of landscape architecture researchers. Roncken explores aesthetics in the sublime experience of 21st century degraded environments. He argues that landscape architecture has the capacity to transform negative aesthetic experiences into opportunities for creative engagement (2018). This is in line with the notion of a ‘performative aesthetic’, a term used in a compelling manifesto to hold onto beauty in sustainable landscape design (Meyer, 2008). The manifesto argues that aesthetic appearance has the capacity to shift human consciousness and foster care that will change behaviour (Meyer, 2008). It argues that sustainable design has to reach beyond its comfort zone of dealing with “ecological health, social justice and economic prosperity” and consider the role of aesthetic experience in tackling environmental issues (Meyer, 2008, p. 6). Van Etteger et al. are another amongst a growing number of authors, that are uncomfortable with current trends in design that praise technical solutions, emphasize function, whilst brushing aesthetics aside (van Etteger, Thompson, & Vicenzotti, 2016). They argue for aesthetics in landscape architecture to be brought closer to those of art, where the importance of aesthetics is not contested. This thesis intends to build upon the above work to further strengthen the role of aesthetics in addressing environmental issues.
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