To research and reimagine public spaces in Vienna we will apply the method of `Incomplete Cartographies¿ as it has been developed by Ed Wall since 2013 in recognition that landscapes tend to resist definition. The ephemeral and dynamic conditions of landscapes, as they change through time, counter attempts to representationally and spatially control them. The open-ended method of creating incomplete cartographies has been developed with the aim of understanding and designing with multiple, undetermined and site-specific narratives contrasting traditional top-down architectural techniques where designs and representations attempt to fix time and complete space. Incomplete cartographies explore the subjective readings, incomplete understandings, partial representations and what Massey terms `stories-so-far¿ (2005:131) of our relations with the land. The approach entwines research-based mappings by designers with less accessible accounts, gathered from people who live in or have knowledge of an area. Opening up mapping to non-professionals and their everyday narratives and knowledge of places and landscapes we open up questions of control, authorship and ownership of urban research and design.
The development of `Incomplete Cartographies¿ consists of three stages:
I. The objective of the first stage is to gather information about one of the target areas of future development, employing appropriate methods (such as interviews, observation, spatial analysis, ecological records or photographic surveys), and then analytically mapping the findings to create a single base drawing that reveals specific site conditions. After assembling a range of information the students will define and represent particular themes based on their site investigations.
II. During the second stage, second author(s) are interviewed and invited to add to the map from the first stage, either using transparent overlays or marking the drawing directly. As for the interview students should select interviewees and second authors based on their particular knowledge or experience of the area.
III. During the third stage the maps are returned to the students who edit the maps, to synthesise the information (drawn and from the interview) into what became collectively authored drawings.
The main aim of this mapping approach is to engage with difficult to access knowledge of areas that are planned for redevelopment. Students direct mapping conversations that produce narratives, which reflect on past histories and incorporate future aspirations, that can inform the redevelopment process.
Sites
In 2005 the City of Vienna introduced the planning tool of ¿target areas¿. Those areas of importance for the entire city and their complex development potentials require an intensive coordination and a close collaboration between all public and private interest groups. Therefor a special target area management was introduced, that steers and coordinates the urban development of those areas together with all actors involved (various authorities of the city of Vienna, land owners, developers and planners, etc).
In light of this semester¿s theme ¿urban equity and the global agenda¿ we want to have a closer look at the area Favoriten ¿ Hauptbahnhof ¿ Arsenal, where the development of Vienna¿s new central train station has been pursued as a strong impetus to also develop the bordering neighbourhoods, Favoriten and the Arsenal Area. The relationship between the new train station development, including its adjacent business district, as part of Vienna¿s ¿global agenda¿ and the popular neighbourhood of Favoriten, a working class district characterized by its density and diverse population, is complex and raises question of how the creation of new urban/global centralities affect neighbourhoods that have evolved over time and their populations. In areas of relevance for the entire city, with strong interest groups (public and private) involved, how is urban equity addressed regarding the local population?
Favoriten: Favoriten is a dense, popular neighbourhood with Wilhelminian style blocks and large community housing developments, and comparatively few green and public spaces. The development of the main train station is believed to boost the local economy and put many of the now empty shops on ground level back into business.
Hauptbahnhof: The area around the new train station as a trans-european transport hub also comprises the development of new office buildings, Quartier Belvedere, as well as middle class housing, Sonnwendviertel.
Arsenal: The old military base has been strongly affected during WWII and now houses various cultural, academic, commercial and housing activities. At the border of a current military base of the Bundesheer the area so far is not easily accessible and has shortcoming as regards non-motorized infrastructure inside the area.
The course is structured into three intensive teaching blocks
ITB I March 6-10, 2017
Bring your own map! Kick-off meeting with discussion of students mapping and spatial research experience and works
Introductory lectures by Ed Wall, Matina Kapsali and Elina Kränzle
Site-Visit and gathering information about the sites
Interim Consultations in April, creation of base map in teams of 2 until ITBII
ITB II May 8-12, 2017
Presentation of Base-maps and plenary discussion
Development of themes for the co-authorship of the map
Implementation of interviews and synthesisation of collectively authored drawings
Individual and group consultations
Interim Consultations in June, further co-authorship and synthesisation of the map until ITBIII
ITB III June 19-23, 2017
Presentation of synthesised maps
Feedback and final revision and redesign of the map
Public poster exhibition
The Exercise (UE) "Paths and tools of the production of space: incomplete cartographies of research, design and actions" is part of the module 11 "Urban culture and public space" (consisting of three courses, VO 280.482, SE 280.483 and UE 280.484) which is offered during three five days intensive teaching blocks (ITB) by the Interdisiciplinary Centre for Urban Culture and Public Space (SKuOR). Module 11 compiles a set of integrated courses dealing with "Urban culture and public space" at the interface of the fields of urban studies and urban design/urban planning. In 2017, the main focus will be on "Urban culture, public space and the present: Urban equity and the global agenda".
The courses mainly address Master students (as well as late Bachelor or early PhD); especially those from spatial planning and architecture are invited to take part. Yet we explicitly welcome students coming from other Viennese universities in related disciplines, such as urban studies, urban design, geography, sociology, landscape architecture, cultural studies, ... as well as 'Mitbeleger'. The course language is English. We support students¿ active participation in debates and interactive teaching formats, and encourage you to bring in and develop your own ideas and critical perspectives. We seek to create an international level of debate and exchange and welcome students from all countries and cultures. Just contact us (info@skuor.tuwien.ac.at).
Students interested in this course have to take part in the lecture (TISS 280.482) as well as in the seminar (TISS 280.483).
To take part in all three courses of the module 11 please register for module 11 until 1st of March 2017 (08.30 pm) via TISS registration for the course VO 280.482. Further course registration will be carried out directly at the kick-off meeting on 1st of March 2017, 09:00 in Augasse 2-6, 2nd floor, WD02B21
Dates of the Module 11
The main body of teaching will be delivered during three intensive teaching blocks (ITB):
ITB 1. 6 - 10 March 2017
ITB 2. 8 - 12 May 2017
ITB 3. 19 - 23 Jun 2017
The evaluation of the course will be based upon the following activities:
20% participation in discussions, research, consultations and continuous course work
30% Intensive Teaching Block II: Research and development of base map, formation of coherent themes/questions in preparation of the co-authorship of the map
50% Intensive Teaching Block III: Synthesised maps (series of maps demonstrating: the development of a final synthesized map; detailed, analytical, aesthetic, informative and thematic value of the maps; level of co-authorship and dialogue the maps create); 1500 word explanatory text including reflection on mapping method and process; poster presentation
Between ITB I and ITB III students will be required to engage with a minimum of three co-authors who will add annotation and drawn information to the maps.
