Design Residency in Hamburg

A Residency at the HafenCity University, International Summer School 2011

Karsten Stampa and Alice Holmberg of Clear Village went on a residency to the HafenCity University International Summer School 2011, Hamburg-Wilhelmsburg. This design oriented, hands-on programme brings together masters students and researchers from different disciplines to explore and co-create solutions to issues surrounding sustainability and the environment. It encourages students to experiment with creative processes that promote efficient use of resources and ensure global and planetary health. The focus of this year’s programme was the planned reduction of CO2 emissions and the need to achieve this by transforming our everyday lifestyles.
The programme was conducted in the University of Neighbourhoods (UdN) building – an abandoned former health centre that was converted by students and staff into a study space using economically efficient and environmentally sustainable construction methods. One of the most interesting features of the building was the open-air ‘culture’ kitchen in which students took turns to prepare daily meals. Leftovers from local supermarkets provided the food for the meals – an excellent example of sustainable eating.

University of Neighbourhoods Building

The team from Clear Village participated in the residency as lecturers and research advisors. Karsten chaired a workgroup during an interactive workshop organized by Marcus Morell of the ARUP Foresight Group. The workshop facilitated discussion about the key ‘drivers of change’ i.e. social, technological and other factors that shape the resource flows – water, energy, waste, food and mobility, in the local area of Wilhelmsburg. Karsten also delivered a lecture about Clear Village and the methods it uses to engage with communities and gather data about the well-being of neighbourhoods. Alice started everyone’s week by leading them in morning exercises. She also tutored some of the students on the programme.
An important outcome of the residency was a Clear Village well-being analysis conducted street style by the team. We spoke to people about their experience with living in an area that was under regional development. We asked them about their perceptions, needs and desires and how their city reflected those. The insights from this study were presented as a part of the closing exhibition of the International Summer School 2011.

Clear Village thanks Korinna Thielen, Professor Dr Michael Koch and the team at the HafenCity University and looks forward to returning to the UdN, Hamburg-Wilhelmsburg very soon.

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