Expressing the unprecedented: Creating images of the future for Turku using a feminist utopian approach
Oertel, Charlotte (2024-06-03)
Expressing the unprecedented: Creating images of the future for Turku using a feminist utopian approach
(03.06.2024)
Julkaisu on tekijänoikeussäännösten alainen. Teosta voi lukea ja tulostaa henkilökohtaista käyttöä varten. Käyttö kaupallisiin tarkoituksiin on kielletty.
avoin
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on:
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2024061352108
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2024061352108
Tiivistelmä
The purpose of this study is to illuminate feminist utopianism as method and to test its value for
participative urban development. This research answers two questions: (1) What are the images
of desirable futures for the City of Turku created a feminist utopian approach? (2) Which values,
themes, and worldviews are embedded in these images?
The topic was approached through examining utopias as a multifaceted category of images of the
future and inquiring into theories of participation. The study answered the research questions and
met its aim through conducting a workshop that combined causal layered analysis with utopian
sketching. The workshop participants were residents of the City of Turku who do not work in
urban development.
The images produced in the workshop were analysed via causal layered analysis. The findings
from this research show that the relationship between economy and ecology, the role of
technology, and the constitution of “good citizens” and their roles constituted major themes of
the images. The values contained in the images depended on underlying worldviews which
informed the choice of image elements. This research provides evidence that feminist utopianism
as method fosters participants systemic thinking, empathy, and cross-cultural exchange.
Regarding existing urban development strategies for Turku, the study found that many similarities
exist between the values and themes addressed in the images and those represented in the City’s
current strategy.
The main conclusions drawn from this research were that feminist utopianism as method fosters
capabilities that support residents as agents of social change, and that the value of this method
lies in strengthening collaboration and opening a rare space for value-based exploration and
experimentation. The research argues for further participative urban development projects
applying a feminist utopian approach addressing other resident groups commonly
underrepresented in urban development.
participative urban development. This research answers two questions: (1) What are the images
of desirable futures for the City of Turku created a feminist utopian approach? (2) Which values,
themes, and worldviews are embedded in these images?
The topic was approached through examining utopias as a multifaceted category of images of the
future and inquiring into theories of participation. The study answered the research questions and
met its aim through conducting a workshop that combined causal layered analysis with utopian
sketching. The workshop participants were residents of the City of Turku who do not work in
urban development.
The images produced in the workshop were analysed via causal layered analysis. The findings
from this research show that the relationship between economy and ecology, the role of
technology, and the constitution of “good citizens” and their roles constituted major themes of
the images. The values contained in the images depended on underlying worldviews which
informed the choice of image elements. This research provides evidence that feminist utopianism
as method fosters participants systemic thinking, empathy, and cross-cultural exchange.
Regarding existing urban development strategies for Turku, the study found that many similarities
exist between the values and themes addressed in the images and those represented in the City’s
current strategy.
The main conclusions drawn from this research were that feminist utopianism as method fosters
capabilities that support residents as agents of social change, and that the value of this method
lies in strengthening collaboration and opening a rare space for value-based exploration and
experimentation. The research argues for further participative urban development projects
applying a feminist utopian approach addressing other resident groups commonly
underrepresented in urban development.