Commons Sense Project

‘Commons sense’ is a continuation of my research investigating commons and commoning (commons/-ing) practices through design practice. This study explains how commons/-ing is a potential route to a sustainable future and a reaction to capitalism and our ‘consumer democracy’.

Commons is a broad topic. Historically it relates to enclosures, today it is a call to reclaim our commons as an effective way to tackle the climate crisis. Commoning practices that include collective stewardship and care, are crucial to the survival of the commons. Communicating the importance of commons can expose the consequences of abusing resources, and even better, show that these resources as part of the same system as ourselves. Although commoning practices exist across the globe, the commons is an emerging concept with academics and thinkers still framing what the commons is and how it can operate.

H&StL_Commons_Mapping

Mapping ‘commons’ activists in Hastings and St Leonards

This project is an inquiry into the potential design has to contribute to making visible commons/-ing. This workbook will present the design research, theoretical context and practice through a variety of methods and studies. In my locality, I ask what people understand about commons and explore where and how commons/-ing takes place. I speculate on what other commons might be possible. I develop designs to communicate commons concepts. Each study attempts to create conditions for dialogue and ways to encourage participation. I discover the importance of situated practice, our relations to nonhuman worlds, the need for diversity and design for everyday lives.

Speculative_Commons_Mapping

Mapping speculative ‘commons’ activists in Hastings and St Leonards

Commons_Interviews

Mapping data from interviews with local ‘commons’ activists in Hastings and St Leonards

This work builds on my strong relationship as a resident and designer, with the local community of Hastings and St Leonards. The ongoing work is a collective attention towards reimagining our local environment, economy, institutions and social networks and strengthening our resilience.

As Donna Haraway tells us the ‘sustaining creativity of people who care, and act animates the action’.

Read the Commons Sense workbook which includes further designs including the cultural probe design below.

Beach_Kaleidoscope instructions

Beach Kaleidoscope Cultural Probe

Beach_Kaleidoscope_Test

Beach Kaleidoscope prototyping

Beach_Kaleidoscope_Images

Beach Kaleidoscope images