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Representing HKU, Martijn van Gessel (lecturing researcher in Creative Technology / Music & Technology) and Rhodé van Eldik (student of Design for Change and Innovation), together with Marjolein Oele (Professor of Philosophy of the Humanities at Radboud University), led a workshop that invited participants to view the city from the perspective that it does not belong to humans alone.
Into the Nighttime City
Participants ventured into the nighttime city, with questions and carrying both traditional and digital tools. They gathered materials, stories, and perspectives to reflect upon and to exhibit. They were given questions such as: What would the city look like if it were designed for insects? Which buildings and structures could be placed to provide a home for plants in the city? How does the city sound to animals? In what ways can we give back parts of the city to nature?The underlying framework for these reflections was formed by the idea of "ego to eco to seva". Simply put, this framework suggests a movement away from the sense of human superiority (ego) towards a holistic view of humanity and the world (eco). One step further in this mode of thought is recognising that our place here on Earth is temporary, which puts a responsibility upon us for everything and everyone that comes after us. Seva is a concept from Hinduism that represents selfless service. Think of it as a kind of 'volunteering for Mother Earth.'
Concrete desires
The participants returned from the nighttime city with items such as soil, a sketch, and, most importantly: the experience of having looked and listened to the city in a new way. To conclude, they shared these experiences and each formulated a wish, such as: “To have a sharper eye for what’s living in my daily environment. To take time for conscious observation: experiencing and feeling where I am. To de-pave the garden: more leaves in the garden and sowing more green for insects in the spring.” In the near future, workshop leader Martijn will reach out to the participants to check in and see if they managed to realise any of these wishes in their lives.Meaning through a different view on your habitat
Nature can enhance the experience of meaning, well-being, and resilience. This begins with finding joy in exploring nature - including your immediate surroundings. This can connect you to your environment. By actively and consistently engaging with this connection, you can reach a sense of meaningfulness: understanding your place within the whole and the significance of your actions. During the Night of Resilience, participants took the first important step towards this: experiencing the joy of seeing and approaching their environment in a new way.Curious to get in contact with Martijn or learn more about his project? Please email to Martijn van Gessel: martijn.vangessel@hku.nl.