Description
This presentation delves into the transformative power of participatory artistic methods in exploring the sense of place and belonging among rural-to-urban migrant children in Guangzhou's urban villages. Focusing on 30 children aged 7–12 years in an urban village through observations, interviews, and creative engagements, the research highlights children's unique perspectives on urban living and their aspirational ideas for an ideal community.The process begins with observing children's daily interactions, followed by interviews, providing insights into their experiences and connections to both rural and urban landscapes. The core of the study involves artistic activities such as map-making, collage, and architectural model construction, empowering children to reimagine and reshape their urban environment creatively.
These activities serve as a medium for children to express their utopian ideals, blending real-life observations with imaginative aspirations. Their artistic creations reveal desires for more inclusive, child-friendly, and vibrant urban spaces, contributing to the discourses of Environmental Utopias. Additionally, their works resonate with the themes of Utopian Cultures, Forms, and Visions, demonstrating how children's perspectives can offer fresh insights into urban planning and community development.
This presentation argues for the inclusion of children’s voices in conceptualizing urban futures, thereby enriching our understanding of utopian thought in contemporary urban challenges.
| Period | 29 Apr 2024 |
|---|---|
| Event title | Utopia and the Return of History |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | Manchester, United KingdomShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | National |