A multispecies design approach to a public space intervention

A public meeting place for residents, passers-by, plants and animals. Taking into account the social context and the ecosystem of Apano Meria, we chose to design for the residents, visitors and the rest of the organisms located in the specific location. Through participatory design processes we selected the first point of the network of interventions we propose.

In Saint Michalis, a reference point for the area, we intend to enhance the aesthetic and functional aspects of a public space that have been under-utilised until now. By redefining the white bus stops along the road network we aim to create meeting points, both between people, the natural environment and the beings that inhabit it.

To achieve this, we will nurture some trees that thrive in the special climate of Apano Meria, build seats, and extend the roof for the vineyard stems to climb on, so that it will provide shade and a mild microclimate for guests. Our vision is to continue to upgrade the Apano Meria bus stops with small and gentle interventions. By working together, we can create vibrant, dynamic and attractive public spaces that will not only improve the quality of life of local residents, but also strengthen the cultural identity of the community of Syros.

Project’s approach

We followed participatory design approaches, centering locals’ perspectives and experiential knowledge about plants and animals, as well as aspects of the landscape. Furthermore we conducted experimental design masterclasses with the students of the Department of Product and System Design Engineering in Syros, through which we came in contact with a planet-oriented design approach, empathising with the non-humans inhabiting the area. Through speculative design workshops and prototyping studios, we co-envisioned the future of our remote place.

About the creative talent

The project was fascilitated by Helen Charoupia, Kiproula Bartzoka and Paris Xintarianos-Tsiropinas, members of the Complex Systems & Service Design Lab of the University of the Aegean. The prototyping studios were co-designed with Kavilia Cooperativa and joined by students Christina Galani, Eleni Kouletsi, Matoula Malamati, Theodosis Papadimitriou and Zahos Stamatis.