Francesca Baur
51.2787° N, 0.5217° E
Bruna Cerasi
23.5558° S, 46.6396° W
Laura Middlehurst
51.3896° N, 1.3868° E
Ikki Kawanishi
35.6764° N, 139.6500° E
Charline Lalanne
48.8566° N, 2.3522° E
Maki Obara
40.7128° N, 74.0060° W
Hannah Ogahara
51.5072° N, 0.1276° W
Danielle Statham
25.2744° S, 133.7751° E
Karoline Von Igel
8.4095° S, 115.1889° E
Alyson Tobin
55.6761° N, 12.5683° EThe following images, texts and audiovisuals are work-in-progress research by our students All rights belong to our students and course.
MARD’NESS, a living system network
MARD’NESS is a digital and onsite CSM Window showcase that shares a glimpse of the diverse journeys that our students have entered and we invite you to delve deeper with us whilst they are preparing for the graduation year. Scroll to explore projects, insights, and thought-provoking questions. Follow us as we navigate this dynamic ecotone terrain, moving between worlds, connecting design disciplines, the digital and local, the human and more-than-human, all towards designing for a more-than-human world.
This first cohort have been pioneering MARD’ness, deepening relations, expanding communities and shifting the human-design monologue into a living systems dialogue. MARD’ness is a co-evolutionary partnership, working with the dynamic living relations that we are all part off, working and learning from the situated conditions and challenges of our living planet. Living systems are not static, but a continuous evolving flow of interactions. MARD’ness does not end when the MA is finished, but continues in place, working with the ecosystems we are part of.
Francesca Baur 51.2787° N, 0.5217° E f.baur0620221@arts.ac.uk
Francesca Baur
Through the lens of local and globalised systems, how can we move from a take-make-waste economy to soil-to-soil systems that benefit all stakeholders?
Francesca Baur 51.2787° N, 0.5217° E f.baur0620221@arts.ac.uk
How can we build relations by bringing together farmers, recyclers, policymakers, change makers, and the community to redesign and transform design blueprints of the future?
Francesca Baur 51.2787° N, 0.5217° E f.baur0620221@arts.ac.uk
Francesca Baur 51.2787° N, 0.5217° E f.baur0620221@arts.ac.uk
Bruna Cerasi 23.5558° S, 46.6396° W b.cerasi0720221@arts.ac.uk
Bruna Cerasi
Enchantment crosses us.
Bruna Cerasi 23.5558° S, 46.6396° W b.cerasi0720221@arts.ac.uk
It can be the link to create new visions of the world. The link to connect us humans with the more than humans. Maybe that's what indigenous wisdom has been trying to teach us.
Bruna Cerasi 23.5558° S, 46.6396° W b.cerasi0720221@arts.ac.ukLaura Middlehurst 51.3896° N, 1.3868° E l.middlehurst0620221@arts.ac.uk
Laura Middlehurst
What if we foster new rituals of care to aid in the preservation of cultures and adaption to new climates?
Laura Middlehurst 51.3896° N, 1.3868° E l.middlehurst0620221@arts.ac.uk
As climate change advances, areas around the world will be lost underwater, with the area of the UK that I live in becoming a small island yet again. The re-imergence of a new isle means connections to mainland UK will be lost. There will be even less jobs and a loss of traditions and changes to daily lives as we know it now. But the area of anthromopomorphic land will change and grow, along with the species, plants and fauna associated with this newly formed fragile environment.
To adapt to these changing times, society needs to aim for a future where symbiosis between humans, non-humans and environments is thriving. Looking to our ancestors and our lost stories for inspiration, newly formed rituals of care can provide a place where we can care for each other and learn from each other, building resilient relationships of kin and equity.
Laura Middlehurst 51.3896° N, 1.3868° E l.middlehurst0620221@arts.ac.uk
Laura Middlehurst 51.3896° N, 1.3868° E l.middlehurst0620221@arts.ac.uk
Ikki Kawanishi 35.6764° N, 139.6500° E i.kawanishi1220161@arts.ac.uk
Ikki Kawanishi
Terra Resonantia
I am Ikki. But I am not Ikki. I am just an interface
Ikki Kawanishi 35.6764° N, 139.6500° E i.kawanishi1220161@arts.ac.uk
We as micro beings and the world as macro beings resonate with each other. There is a world within us. We are immersed in the resonance that rings out in that world. We/world becomes an interface for resonance. This world is 'Textilise the Line' that is becoming, and the line that is weaved generates a three-dimensional fabric that has the nodes reside. The world is incarnated by 'High-Resonance Stream' that corresponds in between nodes.
I created a device that plays sound through a dielectric, harnessing the concept of 'correspondence' in between humans and nature. This device acts as an interface for this connection, allowing the people to compose music that ‘textilises’ the sound waves of the natural world. My work is a creative exploration of in-betweenness, where I imbue this device with the correspondence of nature, allowing it to resonate with us through sound. I try to embody the idea of resonance, as it bridges the gap in between the human realm and the natural world. By composing music through this device, people resonating with the sounds of nature, forging a profound and intricate connection between humans and the environment. This concept blurs the boundaries that separate us from nature, illustrating an interplay between the two and fostering a deep sense of resonance.
Ikki Kawanishi 35.6764° N, 139.6500° E i.kawanishi1220161@arts.ac.uk Ikki Kawanishi 35.6764° N, 139.6500° E i.kawanishi1220161@arts.ac.ukCharline Lalanne 48.8566° N, 2.3522° E c.lalanne0720221@arts.ac.uk
Charline Lalanne
How can we map our relationship?
Charline Lalanne 48.8566° N, 2.3522° E c.lalanne0720221@arts.ac.uk
We embark on a transformative journey to rediscover our interconnectedness with all living beings. For far too long, we have confined ourselves within sterile, isolated environments, severing our connection to the natural world and the exquisite tapestry of life. As we view our world through the 'terra forma' perspective, we see our homes not merely as shelters but as the living landscapes of our personal geographies. In this grand adventure, we aim to chart the hidden bonds that exist within and around us, weaving a vibrant tapestry of connection between ourselves and the myriad species sharing this planet with us.
Our cartography transcends the limits of time, space, and life, intricately tracing the threads of our entwined existence. Through this exploration, we aspire to reveal the intricate web of life in which we all participate. Our coexistence relies on the delicate balance of our ecosystem, and we are its stewards. By embracing regenerative design, we not only rekindle our connection with the natural world but also redefine our role within it. We become conscious architects of a harmonious and flourishing future, celebrating and safeguarding the interdependence of all life.
Charline Lalanne 48.8566° N, 2.3522° E c.lalanne0720221@arts.ac.uk
Charline Lalanne 48.8566° N, 2.3522° E c.lalanne0720221@arts.ac.uk
Maki Obara 40.7128° N, 74.0060° W m.obara0620201@arts.ac.uk
Maki Obara
Can I tell you a story about a plant?
Maki Obara 40.7128° N, 74.0060° W m.obara0620201@arts.ac.uk
A plant that has brought balance to humans and earth since ancient times.
Starting with these questions,
What is Hemp? What is Cannabis?
Can a misunderstood plant be a hero to earth and its species once again?
What can history tell us?
How can it regenerate the future?
And please, be a witness to a journey of a plant and a human, who has the same purpose in life, as part of a living system on earth.
Maki Obara 40.7128° N, 74.0060° W m.obara0620201@arts.ac.uk
Maki Obara 40.7128° N, 74.0060° W m.obara0620201@arts.ac.uk
Hannah Ogahara 51.5072° N, 0.1276° W h.ogahara0920221@arts.ac.uk
Hannah Ogahara
How can we design for more life? Can we design generously as a member of a welcome species?
Join me on a journey into the captivating world of mycelium, forests, and interconnectedness. After a fortuitous encounter with architect Ono-san in London, who shared profound insights about the web of life and its far-reaching implications, my curiosity led me to explore the possibilities of a Microtopia-inspired city, where microbes and nature's harmony take center stage. This exploration culminated in a visit to Ruislip Woods, the largest ancient woodland in Greater London, where we delved into the secrets of its biodiversity, mycelial networks, and the profound impact of coppicing.
Hannah Ogahara 51.5072° N, 0.1276° W h.ogahara0920221@arts.ac.uk
The film captures interviews with Ono-san, Emma Fukuwatari of #meetthemushroom, arboriculturist Russell Miller, and our journey through Ruislip Woods, all beautifully intertwined to reflect the fascinating relationships between humans, nature, and the hidden world beneath our feet. Welcome to a world where microcosms meet macrocosms, and our perceptions of the urban environment are reimagined in the light of mycelial wisdom.
As I reflect on my journey from chemistry to regenerative design, it becomes evident that I've always held a fascination for the fundamental elements composing the visible world, as well as the hidden forces shaping our reality. During my first year of MARD, I delved into the concept of the microbioscene, contrasting it with the Anthropocene, and pondered what existence might entail for a microbe. What would the guiding principles of a Microtopia be? This exploration led me to a profound realisation – perhaps we are already living within the microbioscene.
I firmly believe that by embracing regenerative design within our built environments and adopting a multispecies practice, we have the potential to address many of the pressing climate challenges and harmonise with the natural world. Janine Benyus's vision of "generous cities" and the idea of becoming a contributing member of a welcoming species resonate deeply with me. It's about leaving our planet better than we found it, embodying the ethos of stewardship and fostering collaboration with all species that share our planet.
Hannah Ogahara 51.5072° N, 0.1276° W h.ogahara0920221@arts.ac.uk
Hannah Ogahara 51.5072° N, 0.1276° W h.ogahara0920221@arts.ac.uk
Danielle Statham 25.2744° S, 133.7751° E d.statham0920221@arts.ac.uk
Danielle Statham
Regenerating a Generation
Danielle Statham 25.2744° S, 133.7751° E d.statham0920221@arts.ac.uk
The notion of fiber is in my roots.
When I look internally, I realize, if I continue my passion for fiber, I can extend my tactile belonging.
I cangrow the roots of my learnings through the love of fiber, storytelling and human contact.
I can build trust through conversation and healing hands to have positive planetary effects.
Danielle Statham 25.2744° S, 133.7751° E d.statham0920221@arts.ac.uk
Danielle Statham 25.2744° S, 133.7751° E d.statham0920221@arts.ac.uk
Danielle Statham 25.2744° S, 133.7751° E d.statham0920221@arts.ac.uk
Karoline Von Igel 8.4095° S, 115.1889° E k.vonigel0620221@arts.ac.uk
Karoline Von Igel
Home
Karoline Von Igel 8.4095° S, 115.1889° E k.vonigel0620221@arts.ac.uk
I feel soft rain drops
Touching my skin
Washing my soul
I smell damp, fertile soil
Under my feet
Like a soft bed to lay on
Is this home?
Where wilderness is so wild
and I can dissolve into
be one with them all
Karoline Von Igel 8.4095° S, 115.1889° E k.vonigel0620221@arts.ac.uk
Karoline Von Igel 8.4095° S, 115.1889° E k.vonigel0620221@arts.ac.uk
Alyson Tobin 55.6761° N, 12.5683° E a.tobin0620221@arts.ac.uk
Alyson Tobin
Developing Nurturality
Alyson Tobin 55.6761° N, 12.5683° E a.tobin0620221@arts.ac.uk
I joined MARD hoping to find an answer how to create a regenerative and flourishing fashion sector. Textiles and the fashion sector are ubiquitous, and must shift to penetrate society and earth systems positively. I have learned that there isn’t an answer but developing and creating thriving systems will be a dynamic process that cannot be completed alone.
We need radical futurist thinking to move us beyond the barriers and mental fencing we have created for ourselves that is stifling change. If we create and visualise possible regenerative future scenarios I hope that we can work towards realising them, rather than focusing on the issues and being stuck in antiquated ways of working and thinking that haven’t been serving the people who engage with fashion, and the biosphere that also is forced to engage with the sector.
Alyson Tobin 55.6761° N, 12.5683° E a.tobin0620221@arts.ac.uk