RUNNER UP

BACK OFF!

Project Description by Team: The current biodiversity, climate and environmental crises may be seen as results of a human/non-human relationship in which the human perspective has dominated and sought to control the non-human. Working with distance and separation therefore necessarily becomes the most sustainable and respectful technique to (re)connect and include non-humans in human society. For that reason, “Back off” translates distance not only as a spatial dimension, but also as a temporal one, so that a new balance can be found. The project intends to activate a gradual process of non-humans remediation and caring, starting a regenerative process capable of actuating a landscape metamorphosis which, after having been sedimented and spread, return to coexist with the human sphere.

Jury Statement: The project is valued because of the different approach they have taken and recognition of existing conditions. The jury appreciates a very clear and determined time frame, but some of the jury members have doubts as to whether this is really feasible. What proves most valuable is the suggestion of a process, of stepping back and then reapproaching, rather than the actual timeframe. [...] The jury agrees that elevated walkways can encourage people to reflect on the landscape and promote a sense of care for the land. That also allows some areas to be left undisturbed, while in others rewilding is key. It is very much appreciated for this statement to be taken to the city and use it as design research, showing the value of doing less. In that sense the project can be understood as an educational resource."

Photo: Flavio Martella

Team Statement: "The complexity of Celje’s site constituted from the beginning a stimulating challenge for us to work with critical topics such as polluted and contaminated lands and their ecological and urban regeneration. Bringing together our research interests about post-human environments and human/non-human relations, we settled our project as a process where time and distance are essential tools for the area transformation. Therefore, focusing on the possibility of triggering a spontaneous process of environmental reparation of the soil, the project works on the gradual re-activation of this critical area. By stepping back, humans give time and space to the natural environment to recover the area, allowing to prepare it for new future proximities. In this transitional time, the physical distance is filled with educational programs and laboratories, aimed at creating a renewed social awareness."