Ecofeminism in practice: provo-typing in Gothenburg

Research Project, 2024 – 2026

Building on research on ecofeminism and provocative prototyping (provo-typing), this project aims to counteract patriarchal urban development by physically implementing eco and gender-inclusive provo-types, co-created with local stakeholders in Frihamnen, Gothenburg, Sweden. By doing so, it creates new sustainable solutions that: a) question norms and standardized processes in the development of public space; b) facilitate the co-existence of nature and humans, with a focus on underrepresented societal groups (female/non-binary youth) and natural processes, through non-exclusive design. A desired long-term effect is the physical demonstration that user-engagement and place-led processes can result in gender neutral, ecologically diverse, and sustainable public environments. The project builds on a transdisciplinary collaboration involving expertise from academia, practice, and the public sector. It is developed through 4 Work Packages (WP): WP1 Research for Design; WP2 Preparation for provotyping; WP3 Provotypes: implementation and evaluation; WP4 Project Management. The project includes a participatory agonistic approach where argumentive, controversial conversations are taken as a starting point to co-design, construct and co-evaluate provotypes.  The implementation will be informed by the results of the research, the open design process, and the desire for those involved to actively engage in the provo-typing and the physical transformation of public space.