Monday 19 Feb
Tutorial
This week we move on to the subject layer, where we envision the architecture of the world as the water rises, and the social order changes.
I shared my findings that I did last week about London Water company and Google technology as a way to provide data to support our vision of rising water levels.
Finally, for the direction we need to implement this week, Cecilia suggested contacting professionals related to the topic. Compile a questionnaire based on the available information, and conduct field research and interviews.
Tuesday 20 Feb
Reading Group
Afternoon’s Seminar–A Multicultural Perspective on Work.
After being given brief information about coffee growing regions around the world, our group read and discussed it. Since I am from China and lived in Yunnan for 3 years, I mainly read and introduced Yunnan coffee beans to the group. After the discussion, our group found that despite the superior quality of coffee beans grown in many regions, the fact that labour is cheap cannot be changed.
Wednesday 21 Feb
Workshop#1 Identifying Questions with Elizabeth Wright
I really love the theme of this workshop!
This allowed our group to get a handle on how to integrate the problem. Sorting out the framework of the problems we really need to solve.
The questions select process was like:
1. list 70 questions about our future city of water.
2. Define Open& close questions
3. Define Ad& disad questions
4. Select–3 conclusion question
5. Pick 1 question–one main question—what does our future look like?
We started out with no categorical direction and wrote down many questions about our topic. But following the tutor’s request, we narrow down step by step, categorising the questions and integrating our thinking at the same time.
WED. READING NOTES
1. SLOW-LOOKING
It mentions that “slow looking” is part of the slow living movement, emphasizing meaningful consumption and mindful lifestyle choices. In the article, the author describes their experiences with “slow looking” at Tate Britain and Tate Modern, highlighting the depth gained from observing art, independent reflection, and connecting with the art.
2. WHAT GOOGLE LEARNED FROM ITS QUEST FOR PERFECT TEAMS
The article explores Project Aristotle at Google, focusing on effective team dynamics. It emphasizes the significance of psychological safety within teams, where equal participation, social sensitivity, and open conversations create a supportive environment. The piece concludes by highlighting the value of imperfection and emotional interactions in fostering a productive work culture.
Thursday 22 Feb
Independent study–Group online meeting
Firstly, We are hoping to finalise the survey questions and directions before contacting the experts at the relevant organisations in London’s rivers and watersheds.
Then, Valentina shared a skeleton of our project, which point out clearly our main point to consider:
How the future of a working water living system will be(Due to the water level rising)?
The best solution–build a new community(include life and work)
But, from my point of view, we need more evidence to complete the speculation, i.e., we need to collect more research evidence.
After that, Colleen shared some research about canal trust.
Two very different directions though. But I think, to a certain extent, both building communities on water and canal trust are the focus of our research direction.
Friday 23 Feb–Sunday 25 Feb
Independent Study
Based on Monday’s tutorial and yesterday’s group meeting, my initial comprehension suggests that our Survey Question is oriented in two directions:
1.Organized social community(lives on water)
2.Canal trust
In both directions I have conceptualised the basic and IF questions.
1.community lives on water
Basic question–
·Why did you choose to live here? Is it because you love the lifestyle?
·Is there an established management or organisational presence in this water-dwelling community?
·Are there rules about the use of common areas and facilities, and do people follow them?
·Living Experience：Is the water clean? Does it have an odour?
How private is a house on the water？Whether there will be problems with excessive dampness in the house
·Will there be a very close connection with the neighbours?
Related with project–
IF–
Would you want to live in a community or accommdation that contained both water and underwater space?
BELIEVE?–
Are you concerned about information on rising water levels and declining habitats?
2.CANAL TRUST
RESEARCH:
As I don’t know much about the organisation Canal Trust, I first carried out research on it before thinking about the research question.
I looked through the website and found a charity: the Canal River Trust
I found the Canal River Trust they providing places for people, it include:
1. Work closely with communities to improve habitat, provide better access, engage people and respond to local needs all along their network.
2. Canal River Trust want our waterways to reflect the people that live closest to them, so they can benefit from time spent by water in an environment that feels safe and appropriate.
3. Silt builds up at the bottom of canals, preventing boats from travelling freely. To tackle this Canal River Trust dredge, essentially scooping up sediment from the bottom of canals and removing it.
Base on above research about Canal River Trust, My question below:
Whether or not there will be a connection to being on a boat (people living on the water)？
Is the contact with them more about managing to organise them or do you expect them to cooperate in joining you?
Whether the rise in water level has an impact on the coastal ecology and communities？