Cultivating Companionship
Our Anthropocene mindset has alienated us from being a part of nature. In response, a research residency based in a cornfield brings together people from different disciplines and various local species. Cultivating Companionship is a proposal that seeks to counter the exploitative practices found in the countryside today.
Through a focus on local materials, traditional building methods, and the promotion of community life, it explores the potential of a cornfield grounded in cooperation and diversity. The local development of new biobased materials and cooperation with non-humans are crucial elements for spatial design and for rebuilding connections with the intricate ecosystems that sustain life
The Compost-Tree
Honours the vital role of non-human species in sustaining the ecosystem. It contains the compost, home to countless microbes, fungi, insects, worms, and more. Above, there is an area for birds, fostering a profound connection between humans and non-humans, strengthening awareness and companionship.
The Nest
Accommodates up to eight humans, embracing its surroundings with tent-like walls. Crafted on-site with bio-based materials, residents personalize these walls. Experimentations and observations are documented in the material-experiments book.
The Mushroom House
Serves as a central gathering point for human residents. It fosters community, facilitates discussions, and welcomes visitors. Inspired by traditional farmhouses, the structure embodies collaboration with oyster mushrooms, including rituals of care and harvest.
Milzea
Is a byproduct of energy farming. In the process of exploring this solid fiber, I named it Mil-zea. Milpa is the original way of cultivating corn by the Mexica people. Zea Mays is the botanical term for corn. Zea symbolizes another grain or seed, representing the beginning of life. Working with Milzea entails staying with the trouble and finding opportunities within the current situation.
Research Paper
Documentation of the research on local history and the current situation, leading to the research question that forms the foundation for the design of the research residency.
https://www.researchcatalogue.net/
view/2226510/2226509
Cornfield Residency
The cornfield is a human-made landscape. Monoculture plantations reduce biodiversity and cause a unsustainable human-centred transformation of the landscape. The Cornfield Residency is a proposal for an alternative research centre within a cornfield. Various perspectives and ideas come together, shaping a new community.
Shortlisted at Global Design Graduate Show 2023
https://www.artsthread.com/events/globaldesign
graduateshow/vote/product#/project/cultivating-companionship
2023 l design by lina hülsmann l supervisor: nasim razavian , anne hoogewoning, gerjan streng l bersenbrück, de l
links: https://graduation.kabk.nl/2023/lina-hulsmann l
awards: shortlisted at global design graduate show 2023
finalist at new european bauhaus prize 2024