Researching Allotment Gardens: A Journey Beyond Unity, Unveiling Transformative Processes

2023-03-25

It is done. The exposé was handed in just in time just before midnight, and here I am doing the aftermaths, awaiting the feedback that will chart my next course within the coming week or two.

However, as I reflect, a fascinating realisation has dawned. My research ventured deeper than I initially anticipated, reaching beyond the specific topic of allotment gardens and touching upon a much wider concept: transformative processes and their facilitation by design.

My research began with a clear focus: investigating how to cultivate unity within allotment gardens, seeing them as microcosms of societal challenges. Yet, as my research progressed, it became evident that the process itself was as crucial as the outcome. Fostering collaboration, resolving conflicts, and promoting sustainable practices within these gardens – this wasn't simply about achieving unity; it was about creating positive change through collective action. This aligns perfectly with the concept of transformative processes.

This realisation opened my eyes to the power of design in facilitating these transformative processes. I wasn't just researching allotment gardens; I was exploring how design thinking, participatory methods, and other design approaches could be used to cultivate dialogue, collaboration, and a sense of community. It's about design moving beyond creating the final product to becoming a catalyst for learning and adaptation – an ongoing process vital for achieving lasting change. And it was during the process of writing the exposé, synthesising theory with the first recently received feedbacks from lokal politicians, garden members and association boards, that I began to see the big picture. In fact, it just happened now.

Here's the truly exciting part: my research is not just confined to allotment gardens. It also sheds light on a broader truth:

• Rethinking Existing Systems: By investigating the challenges of building unity, I contributed to rethinking how these associations function. Just like my thesis challenged the limitations of traditional process components, it highlights the need for a more inclusive and collaborative approach within allotment gardens. (Göpel, 2016 und Wearne et al 2023)

• The Evolving Role of Designers: For eco-social design specifically, the research explores how designers can become more than just solution creators. It envisions a role where designers facilitate dialogue, collaboration, and learning – crucial aspects of transformative processes. (Caspers, 2023)
  

• Process Over Goal: This journey has emphasised the importance of process over a rigid focus on achieving a specific goal. Just like gardens evolve organically, the path to unity within them might not be linear. The process itself becomes a means of learning and adapting, leading to a more sustainable and resilient outcome. (Kragenings, 2022)

At this very moment, I understand that the future holds exciting possibilities. This newfound understanding of transformative processes and the role of design within them wasn't a sudden revelation. It simmered beneath the surface throughout the research process. However, in the final days of finalising the thesis – that whirlwind of revisions and last-minute adjustments – a crucial realisation emerged. It was like all the pieces of the puzzle finally clicked into place. Suddenly, my research was and is not just about allotment gardens or that specific case that initiated it; it was and is about the potential for design to facilitate positive change within communities.

This synthesis, this connection between transformative processes and the power of design, became the driving force behind the final push. It currently fuels the exploration of case studies, the formulation of design strategies, and the suggestion of future research directions. Now, with the thesis exposé complete, the excitement for this broader application intensifies. There's a whole new world of possibilities waiting to be explored at the intersection of sustainability, community, and the power of design.

I am grateful for this enlightening moment. The journey that began with the idea to research eco-social conflicts in allotment gardens is blossoming into a deeper understanding of transformative processes and design's role in them. It's a slowly growing realisation that, while unexpected, offers tremendous potential for a more positive and sustainable future.