Transdisciplinary Practice
The action of Re-Imagining Ecosystems involves firstly, a deep understanding of ecosystems [1] and environment. There is an increasing need in understanding the complex and interconnected nature of the environment especially in the quest for sustainability [2].
If we can re-imagine ecosystems, that is, re-think the relationships between people and nature we can start getting closer to achieving solutions to the environmental decline.
The following stages of the project (un-disciplinary, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary) aim to help break down the processes involved within disciplines and the benefits to be achieved through collaborative work.
It is important to note that the project will remain un-disciplinary at the core throughout, whilst still enabling and welcoming the transitioning between multidisciplinary and transdisciplinarity. The reason behind this is to allow for free-thinking, and a ‘boundary-free’ approach to the understanding of people and nature.
The Un-disciplinary Stage
From January 2024 - August 2024
At the present time (April 2024) my research project is un-disciplinary, meaning that there are no boundaries between disciplines being explored. This stage is flexible, unrestricted, and enables therefore an open approach to thinking about the subject matter.
The Multidisciplinary Stage
From August 2024 to December 2024
By enabling a collaborative stage, new voices are brought to the conversation. System-based thinking opens up the possibilities to achieve solutions.
The Transdisciplinary Stage
From December 2024 - ongoing afterwards
At this stage, a shared vision in relation to human connection with nature will hopefully we achieved. The problem-solving abilities of each individual involved will aim to create a homogenised view of the project’s goals.
A shared understanding of ecology
among disciplines
creates a fertile ground for changing the
way we think about nature.
Un-disciplinary Stage
Embracing possibility and chance
“Each perspective or point of view is such only as a member of a community of points of view; this is a community and not a collection, for each perspective, from within its own resources, refers to the possibility of others.”
My project is currently un-disciplinary, the nature of the interactions between disciplines is blurred, characterized by an open approach to the subject matter which is human connection with nature. The reason for an un-disciplinary approach, is due to the nature of the subject I am studying which is human connection with nature. This connection can be addressed in multiple ways, there is no unique way to define it. The multiplicity of perspective angles makes my project highly un-disciplinary at the present moment.
Beginning with an un-disciplinary approach allows me to enable and give importance to a playful approach as a way of accessing knowledge. Unstructured exploration is key. The process itself is where knowledge emerges, by allowing the process and artistic explorations to unfold, I move away from addressing the issue behind the subject of study; the issue being human responsibility for environmental deterioration.
In an un-disciplinary approach, what happens in between the interactions between land, sea and humans is of high importance.
By understanding what happens in between, new knowledge emerges and the possibility to link to other disciplines becomes an inviting ground for conversations to happen. Exchanging meanings of different concepts such as environment, ecology, sustainability among different specialists (sociologists, anthropologists, ecologists, biologists, artists, architects, economists) a diverse and systemic conversation emerges. There is weight given to different perspectives. According to Rajan (1998) and as cited by Giri, A.K (2002) ‘a perspective is because it is one among others’. A discipline is not defined in terms of subject matter and even less by method of study but by its perspectival emphasis on the human condition (Kumar, 1986).
In this transitioning between free-thinking (un-disciplinary) and by starting to bring different perspectives to the conversation is where a multidisciplinary approach starts emerging >>
Multidisciplinary Stage
A route to shared knowledge
“No man is an island”
Planned collaborations along the development of the project means that a move towards a multidisciplinary approach will be imminent.
According to Russel et al. (2007), finding solutions to environmental problems requires not only an understanding of the environment and threats to it, it also involves influencing the actions and behaviours of multiple societal actors. Solutions require knowledge production that is system-based rather than reductionist or separate.
In relation to this, I consider that an understanding of the environment and threats to it falls within the un-disciplinary stage.
By inviting others to the conversation, with the purpose of discussing findings and possible solutions, a dialogue can get started. The conversation starts turning into a multidisciplinary approach to a solution (or multiple ones).
Collaborations and partnerships
World Museum display collaboration
April 2024 - September 2024
An example of multidisciplinary work has already started (as of April 2024). This involves a collaboration with Samantha Cooper, a colleague from the MA Art in Science course, whose research project involves an understanding of botany and plant preservation. We are working on a joint display for the World Museum presenting photographs and 3D models of elements belonging to our areas of research.
Being Human Festival 2024 multidisciplinary group
November 2024
As part of a collaborative festival event grant application (Being Human Festival 2024), my project Re-Imagining Ecosystems will be turning into The Ecologies of Hilbre Island - A Creative Expedition.
The team applying for this collaborative project involves lecturers, researchers, artists and locals at Hilbre Island.
This event will celebrate the 165th anniversary of the publication of ‘On the Origin of Species’ as well as a landmark for the events happening on the day. In correlation with the site of enquiry for the overarching research project, Hilbre Island will be our landmark, our ‘Galapagos’ in the North West of England. The island will serve as the frame for the conceptual thinking and activities happening on the day.
Transdisciplinary Stage
Enabling change to happen
“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, not the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.”
Moving from a multidisciplinary approach, where conversations are enabled by the inclusion of other disciplines under the common theme, we move to a transdisciplinary approach to the project.
This will involve a shared vision in relation to human connection with nature. The problem-solving abilities of each individual involved will aim to create a homogenised view of the project’s goals.
I consider important to highlight the fact that the aim is to achieve unity in diversity and diversity through unity (Nicolescu 2014). Giving equal relevance to the diverse ideas and thoughts from each voice involved in the project, with the sole purpose of sharing the same vision. The vision being, connecting people with nature at a meaningful level; a level of connection that puts protection of the planet first, a true connection with what we do and how we relate to each other and the planet. A sustainable approach to being human in the world.
Another important factor in the transdisciplinary approach of this project is to acknowledge the existence of shifting boundaries. Each individual involved won’t consider their solutions auto-sufficient but rather interchangeable and flexible. It will be required to adopt a ‘boundary free’ approach, meaning that they won’t act within the edges of their disciplines but rather actively think how the boundaries of their disciplines can be blurred.
References
[1] Cambridge Dictionary (2024) ecosystem (definition) [online] Available at: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/ecosystem [Accessed: 20th April 2024].
[2] A.W. Russell et al. (2008) Transdisciplinarity: Context, contradictions and capacity. ScienceDirect [online], volume 40, issue 5, 460-472. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0016328707001541 [Accessed: 18th April 2024]