GARDENS FOR EVERYDAY RITUALS
KU LEUVEN
MEDIATING TACTICS
MONIKA DAUKSAITE
2021
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PROLOGUE
PROLOGUE LEISURE
Residential farm tries to depict that leisure is not the opposite of activity, productivity, or work. Rather, leisure is the right balance between give and take, between work and rest, and it can therefore be achieved in work as well as in rest. Leisure, then, is an end in itself, it does not have to be necessarily achieved when work is finished. However, it also the end of work, but not in the sense that it is the thing that comes after work. It is the end of work in the sense that it must always be present with work that can be enjoyed, at least to the extent to which it is meaningful. However, each work is equally important and meaning can be found in any work that community has to do. Work and production process are considered as ritual. It is not hidden in distant monocultures. Production allows residents to socialize, and work is always done collectively. Production imply to overload between work and life - some productio/work can last the enitre life. Work must be done, but it is up for cohabitants to organize when and how to do the tasks. Collectivity goes beyond individualism - there is no staff, just active residents that decide together the amount of labor that needs to be done. It is up to them to decide if they want to have holidays or just shorter working hours. Work is not appreciated for its efficiency but valued as a tool to socialize therefore it needs to be accessible to everyone and create meeting places where daily banality is accepted. Project tries to show that instead of having separate spaces for production and leisure, it can be combined. Gardens does not only show ornamental space, but also a space for production - celebrating the joy and beauty of growing plants. Production spaces can be inviting.
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ABSTRACT
RESIDENTIAL FARM FOR EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE
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ABSTRACT
Bees are a symbol of hard work, and their hive is an example of community that works together for a greater good. Beekeeping is a partnership - bees share their life with humans by letting to observe and learn. Humans always had a special relationship with bees that went beyond domesticating them for production of honey. Beekeeping is a ritual for quiet contemplation, a place of spirituality for farmers and community where they can ‘tell the bees’ their stories and leave some matters behind. Everyday work and moments of leisure are not separated but rather merged and goes side by side.
Even though Flemish countryside is being rapidly urbanized, glasshouse is not a recreational landscape for urban dwellers and their demands. It is a space of everyday rituals and leisure moments for farmers where knowledge of growing plants and vegetables can be shared, and legacy of horticulture could be extended. Continuous grid of existing glasshouse is being interrupted by diagonal line that stretches from the centre of the glasshouse and creates 13 dwelling units for each member of the community. Open area of existing glasshouse is divided by paths framed with walls that terminate the entrances to the glasshouse and create interconnected rooms. Walls become an important part of gardening not only because they store heat inside, but also collect rainwater and tools for gardening. Production and leisure are not defined by clear zones or boundaries, it is mixing up and creates a continuous landscape covered with glass. Glasshouse section is being adapted by introducing new roofs with higher spaces where structure becomes diagonal as well. These zones are always lush and fully enclosed by walls, whereas peripheries depend on seasonality. Dwellers have a specific coats/sleeping bags since big part of the glasshouse is not heated.
Obsolete glasshouse in Flemish countryside becomes a home for community of 13 extraordinary people that are collectively working like a busy bee. Community’s life is based on restorative justice principles where conflicts are a part of everyday life. Having equal amount of facilities each member can intervene as much as needed into common space as well. Glasshouse is a place for deindividualization where work and living collapse in one space that is also open for public eye. Work becomes a way to socialize, and community is not only doing beekeeping rituals - their home is also a place for horticulture where production and leisure meet -community creates a productive landscape and ornamental gardens inside the glasshouse. However, they are not a masters or possessors of nature– they understand and celebrate their dependencies on bees and plants and invite public to do the same - production becomes a leisure and a central driver of space. Community shares money and sustains itself based on Community Supported Agriculture system that allows visitors of the glasshouse to enjoy growing vegetables and celebrate harvesting it themselves.
Community and their activities have an impact for wider territory. Paths that are intertwining inside the glasshouse a spreading out to the village into production fields and pastures. Paths are not connecting lands or farms, but rather allow to access distant fields where knowledge about growing plants between farmers could be shared, network of beehives created, and leisure moments introduced.
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AGENDA
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LEXICON
NORMALISATION
ECONOM
Normalisation is a social process of bringing something (ideas, actions, behaviour) to ‘normal’ and ‘natural’ condition in everyday life. It typically means following newly introduced regulations or returning from a state of ‘abnormality’ - something that was not approved previously but it is now. In contrast, by normalising rules the indication of what is not being accepted as normality can be introduced in a form of restrictions. Michel Foucault refers to a normalisation as a construction of idealized norm to behave – when individuals can be rewarded or punished for following or deviating from that ideal. Therefore, Foucault indicated that normalisation was on of the main tactics for achieving maximum social control with minimum expenditure of force which he calls ‘disciplinary power’.(1) Similarly, Pierre Bourdieu compares introduction of norm with ‘symbolic violence’ when norms are introduced by a greater social power on those of a lower class. For criminologists, normalisation refers to the way in which crime has become part of everyday life – lawbreaking is feature of society, and that a crime-free society would be impossible to achieve. Basically, crimes have become a normal social fact. (2) In addition, normalisation can be considered as a theory that provides mentally ill people with conditions as close as possible to the ‘normal’ life. Wolfensberger extensively explicate normalization in terms of its implications to service provision. This resulted in service change - from segregating people from typical society and putting them into large institutions, toward supporting their integration into normative community settings and activities. Wolfensberger also established a teaching culture to systematically include the theory of normalization to change agents, human service workers, family members, and community leaders. (3) (1) The History of Sexuality, Volume I: An Introduction by Michel Foucault, 1990. (2) Key Concepts in Crime and Society, Ross Coomber, Joseph F Donnermeyer, Karen McElrath & John Scott, 2015 (3) The Principle of Normalization In Human Services, Wolf P. Wolfensberger, 1974
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Economic rent is the retur land or labour, that is great keep that resource producin ically or socially needed.(1 texts, including labour mark However, it is not normal pr capitalist production, but it efficiencies. (2) Economic rent is related wi quality of natural resources cultural business led to a f can be used for farming, me duction then the farm that ucts can be sold for a lower when technological advanc for instance small farmer c cally advanced complex far Economic rent can also ind with given market position is above what is needed to ployed at its current level o over the expected amount. ( work for a certain wage bu one. The difference between and the negotiated) measure economists refer to economi Economic rent depends on it. If demand for certain thin ber of supplies, it means th instance, if there is a high de farmer, the owner of that la economic rent. However, Jo market competition, there a and economic rent do not ex level of supply equals the le
(1) https://www.dictionary.com/browse (2) Economic Rent by Adam Hayes nomicrent.asp) (3) Economic rent by Richard Veryar economic-rent.htm)
MIC RENT
EXPLOITATION
rn on a productive resource, as ter than the amount necessary to ng and exceeds what is econom1) It can appear in several conkets, real estate, and monopolies. rofits that arise from competitive t rather indicated the market in-
Exploitation is the action of making use of and benefiting form a natural resource for economic growth - taking something from the environment without compensating it back. As the world’s population rises together with economic growth - intensive agriculture deeply affects and exploits many aspects of natural environment as well as other species (plants, wildlife, insects). In addition, farming exploits rural communities too— farming and rural are synonymous to the point that many consider them one group - despite growth in farm size as a primary cause of rural decline. In consolidation, wealth, and power concentrate, leading to more opportunities for exploitation, so in general systems of farming are exploitative. (1) Exploitation can also exist by seeking for capital growth by using human labour. Marxists state that this is a social relationship that arises from asymmetrical power between workers and employers. One social group can treat unfairly, benefit and take for itself what is produced by another group – shortly the ones who sell labour (proletariat – the only economic value ‘labour power’) and the one who buys it (bourgeoisie – own means of production). Exploitation of cheap labour is still present now and it comes from several different ways and one of them is through the spread of ‘false information’. By advertising great opportunities employers can attract big number of people that will move to places meaning that there will fewer jobs therefore workers need to fight for the position and are willing to get paid regardless of low wage and eventually become a victim of immorality. (2)
ith asymmetrical conditions and s in farming. Expansion of agrifactor that even less fertile land eaning that it will have less prohas better soil, therefore prodprice. Also, economic rent exists cement in farms are not equal – cannot compete with technologirms that can produce way more. dicate a market power associated – it is amount of income which keep a certain worker to be emor an extra payment that is made (3) For example, someone could ut manages to negotiate a bigger n these two figures (the expected es market power and this is what ic rent. existing supply and demand for ng is bigger than the actual numhat economic rent increases. For emand to buy a land from a small and would benefit, in the form of ohn Kane says that under perfect are no clusters of marker power xist – prices are adjusted until the evel of demand. (3)
(1) Is it possible to farm without exploitation? by Sarah Mock (https://medium. com/datadriveninvestor/is-it-possible-to-farm-without-exploitation-e9fefe202349) (2) Is the exploitation of cheap labour ethical? by Thu Luong (https://medium. com/@ThuBelieves/is-the-exploitation-of-cheap-labor-ethical-36d5254a1887)
e/economic-rent (https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/eco-
rd (https://rvsoapbox.blogspot.com/2007/01/
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GLASSHOUSE
GLASSH
EXISTING GL
From the first glimpse they noticed the grid. Glasshouse is expre vegetables and celebrating their cultivation is hidden within its d glasshouse proves that currently production is separated form leis her -10-
HOUSE
LASSHOUSE
essed by gird that ensures a mass production. Beauty of growing dense structure that is distant and not inviting for people. In fact, sure – joy of growing plants, horticulture and contemplation is not re. -11-
GLASSHOUSE
This grid is unavoidable, it is everywhere. It can be seen as infinite without any focus point where eyes get lost.
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No enclosures, no divisions - everything is exposed, transparent allowing to glimpse inside and then walk away.
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GLASSHOUSE
ENTERING THE
But glasshouse that is now being inhabited by 13 extraordinary people are open to enter. Paths framed with walls are terminating entrances. Focus point catches public’s eyes and they notice that the inside of the glasshouse is not just one big open space. -14-
E GLASSHOUSE
Walls are leading to the inside of the glasshouse where something valuable is being grown. People are curious to see. Also, walls are pleasant for visitors because they cast shadows. But not only. Botanists know that there is more to it. Walls are for gardens. -15-
GLASSHOUSE
FIRST GLASSHOUSES BU
Walls were used even before glasshouses to create a certain micro when air outside gets cooler. First glasshouses and conserva
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UILD AGAINST THE WALL
oclimate. Walls are storing the heat inside and releases it at night atories were built against such walls and worked as one unit.
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GLASSHOUSE
TERRACOTTA W
Walls used inside the glasshouse are lightweight structure of terra creates a space for storing water inside. Being non-s
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WALL DETAIL
acotta panels with insulation that allows to sustain the heat. It also structural it works more as a space forming element.
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GLASSHOUSE
CONTINUOUS GARDENS
GROUND FLOOR
Production becomes leisure. Glasshouse is not only for distant production anymore – it is an ornamental space for leisure too. By following walls people discover many continuous paths leading to interconnected rooms of gardens and landscape covered with glass. Glasshouse gird does not seem infinite since walls are controlling viewpoints. In the centre of the glasshouse a diagonal volume can be seen - that is an inhabited part of the glashouse.
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GLASS COVER
ROOF PLAN
Changing rooms are overtaking the attention – some are filled with ornamental plant collections, land art or gardens formed from vegetables to serve and sustain community by allowing visitors to harvest it themselfs. Walls are always leading the way providing people with shadows and at the same time are serving plants - storing the heat, collecting water and tools for gardening.
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GLASSHOUSE
WINTER
It is an open garden for everyone but it is also inhabited. And residents of glasshouse are the ones putting a lot of effort into this space that needs to be well respected by public and on the other side public have to be trusted by inhabitants.
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GARDEN
Some gardens are celebrating decorative plants and provide a bigger more spiritual space where roof covering is higher, and grid of the structure is different – that is indication for everyone that this is a special place for meetings too.
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GLASSHOUSE
ENTERING THE GARDEN
Going through a pathway people see that glass roof there is different. Roof is higher and lush vegetation of decorative plants can be seen from the far. Walls are pointing a way inside. Sometimes this room gathers all 13 residents at once to discuss important family maters and celebrate conflicts. -24-
INSIDE THE GARDENS
This space does not depend on seasons and it is heated and humid. It is space for contemplation and celebration of beauty and smell of plants, where bees sometimes can enter through the roof and pollinate. Steel structure here is following a diagonal line, grid of the glasshouse is disturbed. -25-
GLASSHOUSE
PLAN OF TH
Central pit in the gardens allows easily to walk through and observe species of different decorative plants and vegetables, however there is no clear distinction between it. Walls are wrapping around the existing columns and create a space
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HE GARDEN
inside them for tools and rainwater collection that is stored inside the water tanks and can be accessed from both sides. Walls are distributed in a way that it is easy to access all the tools and water source from all parts of the glasshouse.
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GLASSHOUSE
Pits inside the gardens and added volumes of the organic farming creates a volumetric landscape and disturbs the two-dimensional agriculture of low-growing field crops.
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The way conventional plants can be planted creates a different experience of production and harvesting of vegetables. Crops can become a land art elements and not monotonic.
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DWELLING
DWEL
DWELLING AND
Inhabitants are surrounded by these gardens from all sides. Reside onal line where 13 housing units are inserted. Public can go throu public is not allowed there. Walls are los-ing scale and space a
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LLING
D THE GARDENS
ents are based in the very centre of the glasshouse in a long diagugh the volume, they see some people gathering on the rooftop, but around the building is more open and less divided into rooms.
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DWELLING
FROM THE
The whole territory can be overlooked, roofs punched out from orig dedicated for residents where they can gather and observe their g without glass cover. From time to time they bring outsiders her
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E ROOFTOP
ginal volume changes the horizon. Rooftop is indeed the only space gardens from the top, organize community meetings under fresh air re, but this does not happen very often, unless everyone agrees.
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DWELLING
PLAN OF D
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DWELLING
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DWELLING
AXONOMETRCI VIEW FROM SOUTH
Residents are based on two levels. They can enter gardens directly from their rooms on ground floor, that can be fully open if residents want, or fully enclosed. From their bedroom they access the rooftop that is used as common space.
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AXONOMETRIC VIEW FROM NORTH
Each unit is identical from the outside, but inside is different. Some people have their doors completely open and interact with people walking around, others appreciate being left alone and do not let anyone inside their private rooms.
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DWELLING
PLAN OF UP
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PPER LEVEL
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GLASSHOUSE
PLAN OF GRO
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OUND LEVEL
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DWELLING
Residents can access the gardens directly from their rooms and take care of the most sensitive plants. Even though each resident has equal amount of space and facilities they can expend into a common space and work collectively.
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Stairs to reach the roof are enclosed from bedroom and allow to collect water on the ground floor basin. Having this wet area helps during hot summer days and people can gather around them.
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DWELLING
HOUSING
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G UNITS
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DWELLING
STEPPING
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G VOLUME
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DWELLING
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
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ROOF PLAN
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DWELLING
FORMING TH
1. EXISTING
2. DECONST
Glasshouse is identified soon to be obsolete. Project is being prepared by the architect, meanwhile the rest of community can start settle in and taking over the existing barn. Community is financially supported by NGO but can already start the production of vegetables in some parts of the gashouse.
Plan is prepared. Parts of glasshouse are being deconstru with other communities. Deconstruction process prepares sustaining itself from growing vegetab
4. WALLS Community starts to build interior walls that are storing heat and collecting water. Water tanks inside the walls can be installed. Enclosed rooms around higher roofs are done first. Community starts to expand the surface of production zones as well as plant decorative plants. Land artist and researchers starts to collaborate with community.
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HE PROJECT
TRUCTING
ucted. Elements that are no longer needed can be shared s area for new interventions. Community can slowly start bles in the peripheries of glasshouse.
3. NEW STRUCTURES Once deconstruction is over new structures for higher roofs can be added to enclose the envelope. At the same time building of the dwelling can be finalized and community can move from barn, that is now being adapted into kitchen. Architect together with community is preparing plan for building walls and overall landscape.
5. FROMING PATHS Together with previous landowner community starts the negotiation process of forming the paths in the village. Façade of the glasshouse are open to let the paths inside, glasshouse becomes public and production zones are accessible. Community is sustaining itself and NGO is only helping from time to time. Construction of beehives starts.
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TERRITORIAL MAP
PUBLIC PATHS
CENTER POINT OF PATHS
Dwellers are not only working inside the glasshouse gardens. In fact, the glasshouse is a horticulture centre, a place for leisure gardens from which those public pathways that are intertwined inside the glasshouse are also spreading out to a wider territory. They are impacting the whole village. The botanist knowledge is spreading out through these paths, extending the legacy of horticulture. These footpaths are crossing production fields and pastures that are now accessible and include leisure moments such as beehives or aromatic gardens. Landowners that allow footpath to cross their land in return gets a beehive or a garden than helps to improve yields.
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PHOTO EASAY
INFORMAL PATHS
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PHOTO EASAY
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PHOTO EASAY
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PHOTO EASAY
Some existing paths are extending, some are new. One of the leisure moments alongside the footpaths is a beehive. A place for farmer to leave matters behind and isolate themselves.
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PHOTO EASAY
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PHOTO EASAY
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STORAGE
TELLING THE BEES
THE BEE FRIEND, BY HANS THOMA
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Busy and loud corner of a glasshouse. For the farmers, however, this corner is a moment of isolation where quiet activity happens, a place that lends itself for contemplation, a place of spirituality. Farmers keep their regular inspections in the hive short. It is important to leave time for other ritual - observation of the bees, that share lives with humans by letting them watch and learn. Bees should not be unnecessarily disturbed. However, when this partnership happens specific suits are being worn to allow both parties to interact peacefully – bee dies when it stings. But suits are not always needed, farmers can simply observe by listening to the sound of bee colony. Humans always had this intimate relationship with bees. Bees were kept with greatest respect and were considered to be a part of community. Strange custom was carried out – custom of talking with bees. Traditionally, bees were updated with all important family matters (births, marriages, long absence due to the journey, death) by going out to the hives, gently knocking to get their attention, and then softly murmuring to tell the news. When beekeeper dies, hive was draped with black fabric and family members where mourning together with bees. Yet, beekeeping is domesticating bees and mimicking their natural habitat. Attracting bees to the hive is important for biodiversity, of course, but there is more to it. It is about sanctuaries for bees where they can be celebrated, protected and revered. It is about talking with the bees.
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STORAGE
RENÉ DE RÉAUMUR EXPERIMENTAL BEE HIVES The stick which is placed in the middle of the hive, is made of a stick from a parrot cage, and gives an idea of the composition of those that can be placed in large hives for help to support the cakes full of honey
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STORAGE
PATH AND A
One of the footpaths is already activated with the beehive. Fences each farmer can access the path. Those bees do not belong to any coming to talk with them, since the
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A BEEEHIVE
s that were separating the pastures before are now demolished and yone, no one is benefiting from their honey. However, farmers keep ey are now a part of the community.
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