Tangible theory as tool for attuning to non-human voices in domestic gardens

Authors

Mette Gislev Kjærsgaard, University of Southen DenmarkFollow
Tau Lenskjold, University of Southen DenmarkFollow
Mathilde Buskbjerg Madsen, University of Southen DenmarkFollow
Asbjørn Krüger Mønster, University of Southen DenmarkFollow
Giocchino Matteo Maniscalco, University of Southen DenmarkFollow

Abstract

This paper introduces a design research tool that integrates anthropological perspectives on non-human agency to reimagine biodiversity in garden design. While gardens comprise a minor portion of global biomass, they are critical sites for urban biodiversity and multispecies interaction. A central challenge lies in learning to attune to non-human actors. Building on theories of ecological inter-dependence in the Anthropocene, we ask how such perspectives can be operationalised in design practice. Grounded in the "Patchy Anthropocene" framework (Tsing et al., 2019), the tool translates theoretical insights into an actionable prototype. Drawing on interviews with garden owners in six European countries, it supports collaborative, situated approaches to garden transformation and multispecies ecological stewardship

Keywords

Gardens; Design Anthropology; Biodiversity; Theory instruments; The Anthropocene; Landscape patches

DOI

https://doi.org/10.21606/nordes.2025.14

Citation

Kjærsgaard, M.G., Lenskjold, T., Madsen, M.B., Mønster, A.K.,and Maniscalco, G.M.(2025) Tangible theory as tool for attuning to non-human voices in domestic gardens, in Brandt, E., Markussen, T., Berglund, E., Julier, G., Linde, P. (eds.), Nordes 2025: Relational Design, 6-8 August, Oslo, Norway. https://doi.org/10.21606/nordes.2025.14

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

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