URBAN RUDERAL ECOLOGIES
PREVIOUS WALK&TALK
This walk-and-talk theme is infused with ambivalence, resembling a rabbit hole that delves into the complex social phenomena(s). Ruderal plants, those quick to thrive in disturbed spaces, often bear the burden of being labeled as weeds. As Richard Mabey eloquently notes, these are the plants that sabotage human plans, sprouting precisely where they haven't been granted permission. They are the stubborn rebels of the botanical world — those darn weeds!
📍Vilnius Palace of Concerts and Sports
... or becoming a cyborg by growing biological extensions?
Yet by labelling them as weeds and nothing more, we are losing the richness of botanical and social information, discussions, stories, inspirations, etc.
Our meeting place was in the city center, around the Vilnius Palace of Concerts and Sports — an alien brutalist structure built in 1971, now recognized as a cultural heritage site awaiting renewal. Ironically, in the very spaces where human care has waned, new life boldly emerges.
We've been strolling at a snail's pace exploring aesthetics as well as scientific, historical, ecological values of this spontaneous yet temporal ruderal ecology.
Plants not only are. They exist and change within its environment. Radvile tells a story of how nettles might be changing due to changing urban contexts.
Ruderal plants experiment with what's possible in this space. Crafting soil, inviting other species to join. It's a perfect place to witness succession.
We've been discussing the reasons behind the strong emotions of anger and hate directed towards weeds, in the presence of Smooth rupturewort | Herniaria glabra
COURTYARD framed by urban nature.
The underexplored social lives of wild spaces, often overshadowed by narratives of decay and risks, require a more creative conversations.
Native ruderal plant of Vilnius, the Common mugwort | Artemisia vulgaris in front of legendary symbol of Vilnius, Gediminas castle.
The rooftop's architectural design draws inspiration from a ship, now resembling Noah's ark after the flood, where the surroundings are in the process of natural regeneration...
One of the benefits of micro groups going for walks-and-talks is that there's ample space and time for everyone's input, not to mention the emergence of new inside jokes!
