NON HUMAN NEIGHBOURHOOD, 2023
by YUCHEN GUO
While expelling the insects from the room, I suddenly realised that the sky and the land belonged to them as well.
Why are we constantly depriving other creatures of their habitat?
In response, these objects, which contain natural and industrial elements, create a “no-man’s-land” in the city. These sculptures create ponds, as an abundance of energy and fresh water, for non-humans to frequent.
The tiny “no-man’s-land” takes some of the land resources of the city and returns them to nature, without inconveniencing our lives. This leads us to reflect on the possibility of returning some space to the ecosystem in the cities of the future. It also questions the anthropocentrism and anthropological perspective of human relationships with the natural environment and the artificial landscape in the city. There may be a growing emphasis on returning “back to nature”, but this is based on the interests of human beings. In dealing with the climate and cultural crisis, we may want to change our position and think: “Let nature return for its own sake”. Imagine a future in which large numbers of non-human neighbourhoods are mass-produced, by utilising sustainable bio-materials. This may be an opportunity to lead human civilisation to evolve once again.
What non-humans may become your neighbours and what relationship will you form with them? Will you welcome and befriend, or fight against and fear them?
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This project was created by Yuchen Guo, as part of the Design for Discourse emphasis on the MA Industrial Design course at Central Saint Martins, UAL.
Currently exhibited at Westminster Reference Library 24 May - 14 June 2023
Secure your place for public talk 11:00-12:30 on 15 June here.
Supported by
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