Community Enabler
Anne-Li, Inês, Thilo
March 2024
Introduction
This presentation displays a written and visual proposal for the project in Grönsakstorget, with key and relevant information about the design process and insights we collected in response to the project brief we got on The Act of Gathering. This project is part of the Critical Perspectives on Design course, within the Embedded Design program at HDK-Valand.
Our collaborative work, handled by Anne-Li Liljeblad, Inês Moreira, and Thilo Pantring, was completed by March 2024 and it aims to reshape and redefine the space and essence of Grönsakstorget, not merely as a physical square, but as a chain of interconnected relationships with the wider city and its various and relevant stakeholders. As local actors we took in consideration both human and non-human — people, canal, animals, weather, movements, history, and all forms of transportation.
Public space is only one component of creating a just city, but crucial because of its capacity to foster an emotionally open atmosphere and networks of relationships that address other forms of inequity as well.
— Setha
Low in Why Public Space Matters
History of Grönsakstorget
Grönsakstorget, once a busy vegetable market square in the district of Gothenburg, in Sweden, now serves as a parking lot nestled between Västra Hamngatan and Lilla Korsgatan, running parallel to the southeast canal. In a previous era, a regulation dating back to 1876 designated this square as the center for all sales of vegetables, root produce, and garden goods within the vicinity.
The square’s transformation began when the walls and fortifications were dismantled in 1807, leading to the creation of a splendid garden owned by the German sugar mill master, Flottweg. Subsequently, in the 1860s, merchant E. Polemann took over the site, converting it into a bustling center for fruit, vegetables, and flowers.
Long-distance transports and commerce thrived here, with market days starting as early as 5 o’clock on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and slightly later on other days. Notably, Elvira Kjellberg, an iconic figure, braved all weather conditions to sell her wares on the square from 1888 to 1928.
However, due to hygiene concerns, the city authorities opted to pave the square with asphalt in 1888, coinciding with the surfacing of the surrounding streets with crushed stone.
Currently, the square serves as a parking lot from 08:00 to 22:00 on a daily basis. Within the area of the square there is also PixBar, a cocktail bar with the shape of two former containers that have been stacked high and covered with glass walls with an outdoor terrace and a small balcony on the upper floor.
6 Domains of Setha Low
In our project, to activate the square, we drew inspiration from Setha Low’s work, “Why Public Space Matters,” where she delineates six crucial domains necessary for the flourishing of public spaces. These domains serve as guiding principles in our aim to transform the parking lot into a summer square.
By integrating these domains into our project, we aim to create a dynamic and inclusive summer square that serves as an incentive for social interaction, cultural exchange, and environmental direction, enriching the urban space and enhancing the quality of life for all.
Social Justice and Democratic Practices, underscores the significance of fostering social inclusion and democratic engagement. By creating an open meeting space that embraces diversity and recognizes differences, we aim to cultivate a sense of belonging and community ownership within the square.
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Health and Well-being emerge as pivotal considerations. This domain emphasizes the intrinsic connection between public spaces and human health, advocating for the integration of nature-rich environments that promote physical and mental well-being. Our design prioritizes spaces for recreation and social interaction, fostering a sense of safety, accessibility, and resilience among users.
Play and Recreation constitute the third domain, acknowledging the importance of providing spaces for leisure and creative expression for all age groups. By facilitating opportunities for play, interaction, and relaxation, our square becomes a vibrant hub where individuals and families can socialize, unwind, and connect with their surroundings.
Informal Economy and Social Capital represent the fourth domain, highlighting the significance of accommodating diverse socioeconomic activities within public spaces. Our project endeavors to provide flexible workplaces and support networks for informal workers, thereby fostering community resilience and social cohesion.
Environmental and Ecological
Sustainability emerge as the fifth domain, emphasizing the imperative of harmonizing human activities with the natural environment. Through the integration of green-blue infrastructure and ecosystem services, our square becomes a thriving ecosystem that supports biodiversity and enhances environmental quality.
Cultural Identity and Place Attachment constitute the sixth domain, celebrating the rich tapestry of cultural diversity within public spaces. Our design incorporates cultural symbols, artistic expressions, and collective memories, fostering a sense of pride and attachment among users while preserving the unique identity of the community.
Prototyping
Prototyping emerged as a fundamental aspect of our project journey, enabling us to constantly refine and enhance our designs to best serve the envisioned transformation of the parking lot into a summer square.
Over the course of the 10-week project duration, we embraced a diversity of approaches and materials, engaging in hands-on prototyping activities to gain invaluable insights into their potential impact on the square.
From experimenting with various materials and configurations at HDK-Valand to setting up mock installations at Grönsakstorget and Nordstan, our prototyping efforts spanned diverse locations to ensure comprehensive feedback collection. Through these immersive experiences, we not only tested the feasibility and functionality of our designs but also actively engaged with members of the public, explaining the project’s vision and getting their perspectives and opinions.
This process of prototyping and feedback gathering served as a dynamic incentive for innovation, empowering us to refine our concepts in alignment with the needs and aspirations of the community.
Our proposal
Our project emerges from an assembly of values rooted in post-humanism and human-centered design, where the ethos of inclusivity and communal engagement guides our every aim. Central to our exploration is the question: what can the square offer to its visitors beyond mere physical space?
We envision the square as a dynamic meeting point that fosters connection, creativity, and cultural exchange. With a firm commitment to accessibility, we aspire to create a space that welcomes everyone, ensuring that all individuals can fully participate in and enjoy the square’s offerings.
At the heart of our design lies a profound appreciation for the transformative power of art and expression. We envision the square as an open gallery where visitors are not merely viewers but active participants in an artistic expression. From paintings to performances, from singing to dancing, and from street art to spoken word, the square calls individuals to share their unique talents and perspectives, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. The square serves as a safe space for free speech and cultural exchange, where diverse voices are celebrated and respected. Here, visitors are invited to share their thoughts, opinions, and cultural traditions in an atmosphere of openness and acceptance.
Our aim is to cultivate a community where mutual respect and understanding flourish, enriching the fabric of social interaction and fostering a sense of collective belonging.
In pursuit of our vision, we are committed to prototyping an open space that provides the necessary tools and infrastructure for expression. This includes materializations such as a stage for performances, an art display for emerging artists, and a discussion board for individuals to voice their opinions and engage in dialogue.
Through these prototypes, we seek to gather insights from potential users, understanding their motivations and needs for such a space, as we endeavor to realize Setha Low’s vision of a “real” social space at Grönsakstorget.
Our project embodies the essence of these quotes by Michael J. Sandel and Jan Gehl, as we strive to create an inclusive public space that fosters meaningful encounters and interactions among citizens.
Democracy does not require perfect equality, but it does require that citizens share a common life. What matter is that people of different backgrounds and social position encounter one another, and bump up agains one another, in the course o everyday lie. For this is how we learn to negotiate and abide difference, and how we come to care or the common good.
— Michael J. Sandel in What money can’t buy
Architecture is the interplay between form and life. First we form the cities, then the cities form us.
— Jan Gehl
Sandel’s assertion that democracy necessitates citizens sharing a common life resonates deeply with our vision for the square — a space where people from diverse backgrounds and social positions come together, bumping up against one another in the course of everyday life. Through our materializations we provide platforms for individuals to engage in dialogue, express themselves creatively, and forge connections with others. These encounters serve as opportunities for negotiation and understanding, by nurturing a sense of collective belonging and care for the common good. Jan Gehl’s perspective on architecture as the interplay between form and life is reflected in our project. By reimagining the physical space of the parking lot as a dynamic summer square, we seek to shape the urban environment in a way that enhances the quality of life for its inhabitants.
Through careful design and thoughtful consideration of how people interact with their surroundings, we aim to create a space that not only accommodates but also inspires and enriches the lives of its users. Just as Gehl suggests that cities have the power to shape the lives of their residents, we believe that our project has the potential to transform not only the physical landscape but also the social and cultural fabric of the community, fostering a sense of connection and vitality that reverberates throughout the city.
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Democracy does not require perfect equality, but it does require that citizens share a common life. What matter is that people of different backgrounds and social position encounter one another, and bump up agains one another, in the course o everyday lie. For this is how we learn to negotiate and abide difference, and how we come to care or the common good.
—
Michael J. Sandel in What money can’t buy
Architecture is the interplay between form and life. First we form the cities, then the cities form us.
—
Jan Gehl
Materializations
In our quest to materialize the vision of a dynamic and inclusive square, we embarked on the tangible aspect of our project by constructing several key furniture pieces. These pieces serve not only as functional but also as motivation for the community to engage and express themselves.
Among these creations is the Opinion Wall — a communal platform where visitors are encouraged to share their thoughts and opinions on an infinite number of subjects. With a commitment to free speech and open dialogue, this interactive installation invites individuals to contribute their perspectives, fostering a culture of reflection and exchange within the square. Another integral element of our design is the Stage — a focal point for performances and artistic expression. Crafted with care and attention to detail, the design of the stage was inspired by the historical elements the square has, but it also includes a ramp so it is accessible to everyone. The stage provides a platform for local talents to showcase their skills, whether through music, dance, or spoken word. By elevating the voices of the community, the stage becomes a locus of creativity and cultural celebration, enriching the square’s experiences.
In addition to these materials, we envisioned and brought to life an Art Stand — a piece designed to facilitate the exchange of artwork among visitors. This interactive installation serves as a testament to our belief in the transformative power of art and the importance of accessibility in cultural expression. Visitors are invited to leave their own artwork on the stand, allowing others to check and, if they wish, take home a piece that resonates with them. This exchange fosters a sense of connection and reciprocity, as individuals share their creative endeavors with one another, forging meaningful connections and leaving a lasting imprint on the square’s collective identity.
Through the construction of these furniture pieces, we not only provide practical amenities for visitors but also create opportunities for connection, dialogue, and self-expression. As integral components of our broader vision for the square, these installations embody our commitment to fostering an inclusive community space where all are welcome to participate, contribute, and belong.
Ultimately, our overarching goal is to empower individuals to express themselves freely and authentically, nurturing a sense of community and connection that transcends the physical boundaries of the square.
Communication
Effective communication serves as a pillar in our project, facilitating transparency, community engagement, and successful implementation. As we embark on transforming the parking lot into a summer square, the importance of communication cannot be overstated. Proactive communication before the project starts is essential in assembling public support and addressing any concerns or misconceptions.
By transparently sharing our plans, objectives, and anticipated outcomes with the community in advance, we can cultivate a sense of trust and ownership among stakeholders, fostering a collaborative spirit that is crucial for the project’s success. Transparent communication ensures that all voices are heard and considered, allowing for meaningful dialogue and feedback throughout the process.
Whether through posters, letters, social media, or public meetings, our communication strategy aims to be inclusive, accessible, and honest, reflecting our commitment to accountability and mutual respect.
By prioritizing clear and transparent communication, we lay the foundation for a project that not only meets the needs of the community but also reflects their aspirations and values.
To ensure widespread awareness and community engagement regarding the transformation of the parking lot into a summer square, our communication strategy encompasses a multifaceted approach.
In January, to kickstart, we believe the efforts should be focused on placing posters strategically within the square itself. There should also be sent informative letters to residents within the vicinity, offering a comprehensive overview of the forthcoming changes.
From February to May, the communication should increase, with the help of posters dispersed not only within the square but also throughout key locations in the city, including the tram and bus stops.
Simultaneously, the establishment of social media could serve as a dynamic platform for sharing updates and fostering dialogue with the community. Communicating through Gothenburg’s official social media channels could further amplify our reach and benefit the project.
As the summer square blossoms into reality from May to September, our communication efforts persist, with the distribution of flyers made for the community, residents, drivers, and artists, ensuring inclusivity and broad participation. Additionally, targeted posters and flyers could promote specific events within the square, complemented by powerful social media campaigns aiming at maximizing the attendance and engagement.
Through this comprehensive communication strategy, we aim to raise the community involvement and enthusiasm, fostering a sense of ownership and belonging within the collective narrative of the square’s transformation.
The next slide presents a visual representation of the roadmap we believe should be implemented in this project for the communication strategy.
Our take aways
1. To redefine the essence of the square, we started by exploring an abundance of innovative prototypes and we delved into envisioning a future that goes beyond seasonal adaptations, aiming for a more permanent transformation. Our ambition lies in creating an environment that encapsulates the ambiance desired for the square—a timeless space where community engagement thrives, no matter the season. Our vision extends beyond a brief summer square, by crafting solutions that resonate with the needs and aspirations of the community and the city.
2. The significance of municipal work cannot be overstated; it serves as the foundation upon which communities flourish and thrive.
An idea for the square merely includes 5% of the equation for a successful project; meanwhile the rest of 95% involves all the execution behind. Within this complex web of urban planning and governance, lies the crucial task of fostering strong relationships with the citizens, for it is through these connections that the true essence of community is cultivated. The power to nurture and sustain these relationships rests right in the hands of those in charge with municipal governance.
Our take aways
3. One of the main points to this project is the art of effective communication — an indispensable tool in the work of any municipality seeking to promote trust, transparency, and inclusivity. By promoting open channels of dialogue and proactively engaging with the community, we not only spread vital information but also invite feedback, collaboration, and co-creation. Communication emerges as the connection that bonds the municipality and its citizens, creating a foundation for a thriving, harmonious community where voices are heard, concerns are addressed, and visions are collectively realized.
4. Utilizing the prototyping phase was a valuable opportunity to delve beneath the surface, uncovering the underlying needs and desires that drives the community. It’s not merely a matter of shifting perspectives but rather a collective effort to address these needs in a manner that surpasses the conventional solution of a parking lot. This project presents a golden opportunity to embark on comprehensive research and experimentation, meticulously crafting prototypes that feed to these needs while creating a more dynamic and social space for the community. By immersing ourselves in this process, we aimed to bring in the insights necessary to transform the square into a genuine epicenter of community interaction and cultural exchange, where every individual finds a space to belong and thrive.
Community Enabler
+46 70892 05 06
+49 15753591972
The content of this folder is available for anyone seeking deeper insights into our project. We warmly encourage interested parties to reach out to us, if any further information is desired. Our team is available to share additional details regarding our proposal. Please feel free to contact us through the provided channels for any inquiries or clarifications.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Stadsmiljöförvaltningen for extending the opportunity to collaborate on this impactful initiative. Their support and partnership have been invaluable in facilitating the realization of our project goals. We express our sincere appreciation to the mentors within the Embedded Design program and the Design department at HDK-Valand for their unwavering guidance and encouragement throughout our journey. Their expertise and reassurance have been instrumental in shaping our project and nurturing our growth as designers.
Thank you for taking the time to engage with our proposal. Your interest and support are deeply appreciated.