Ludic Antagonism in the Landscape: Exploring Design Impact and Scale through Human and Political Dimensions
Open Access
Author:
Lai, Anne
Area of Honors:
Landscape Architecture
Degree:
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Leann Andrews, Thesis Supervisor Larry James Gorenflo, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
landscape architecture tactical urbanism urban acupuncture the situationists design activism design advocacy counter hegemonic design pop-up city
Abstract:
Discussions about the role of design in larger social contexts often imply that we (landscape architects) must solve system-level issues—issues like climate change, poverty, food insecurity, and homelessness. To evaluate whether such a task is realistically feasible, we may consider: At what scales can landscape architects have a tangible social impact? At which threshold between prevention and intervention does design yield the most efficacy? What might this look like? And what ensures its success?
Drawing from various ideas in the arts, architecture, cultural geography, philosophy, planning, and sociology, this paper illuminates some conditions of the Everyday (in Northeast American cities) that may influence citizens’ relationships with the built environment, in conjunction with a study of contextualizing more humble design strategies in the political dimension. Finally, it concludes that Ludic Antagonism (a coined term for a personality of work) should spawn moments of euphoric ecstasy in everyday life and simultaneously reveal understandings of neglectful structures. This definition is explored through spatial representations of its function, character, and antecedents; and a design-build component that typifies this placemaking approach.
