Associate Director Urban Systems Lab New York, New York, United States
Urban novel ecosystems (UNE), or self-sustaining ecosystems that are the result of human activity, are increasingly commonplace in cities worldwide. They are now understood as multiscalar, ranging from micro-wild spaces to larger remnants of post-industrial activities or abandoned farmland which provide a habitat for endemic and spontaneous vegetation. In large part, researchers and practitioners have historically characterized UNEs as having little ecological or social value and in some cases use war-like rhetoric to connote alien species as abnormal and out of place. Recent research reveals these dominant discourses can shape human perceptions and attitudes toward UNEs and the traits of spontaneous vegetation. This can in turn obscure the complexity and evolution of urban environments and may distance city dwellers from the lifeworlds of species they regularly encounter. As UNEs emerge as a prevalent feature in cities, novel ecologies provoke critical questions surrounding their management and use, as well as how human communities perceive and experience these ecosystems. This talk will explore how arts-based methods can be used to promote a more holistic understanding of UNEs, the traits of spontaneous vegetation, and their potential to promote ecological stewardship and multispecies justice. A series of case studies and methods will be explored ranging from examples of embodied movement and performance, to biocultural and Indigenous practices, to design and architectural interventions among others. The aim is to consider how engagement and encounters with novel and wild spaces can build empathy and positive perceptions of urban nature, and help various stakeholders envision strategies that aim for mutual flourishing inclusive of the needs and contributions of other species.
