Rani Lemmens, Ada Irem Gökkaya, Pippa De Kinder, Malak Kanaan, Pamela Moussallem, Bruce Forton, Junio Penorio De Silva, Elisa Wischermann
These 8 inquisitive minds camped on artist Koen Vanmechelen's farm and thought out their ideas around Future Garden in the thinking boxes of LaMouseion at LABIOMISTA from 1st - 3rd July 2024.
The Game
The Think the Unthinkable Experiment began with us meeting each other. This initial interaction was crucial for setting the tone of the project, emphasizing openness and collaboration. Through asking questions, sharing stories, and engaging in playful activities, we, as participants, were building a sense of camaraderie and trust. These interactions helped create a supportive environment where we felt comfortable expressing ourselves and connecting on a personal level.
After the initial encounter and throughout its continuation, we were asked to engage in creative brainstorming sessions focused on envisioning the "Future Garden." The ideation process revealed a central theme: connection. This theme is threefold, emphasizing connection to others, to oneself, and to the land. It serves as the guiding principle for the project. From this theme, the idea of planting "seeds" emerged.
The concept of a game was developed as a means to encourage interaction. Whether played alone or in groups, the game fosters engagement and discovery. The game involves a trail or walk, accompanied by questions, stories, and proposals for activities. We have called these the "seeds" for the Future Garden. Each seed is an opportunity for the "player" to reflect, connect, and grow.
Because we felt this desire to involve other people, we propose developing an online platform. This platform would allow all players to share their own questions, stories, and activities, contributing to a growing repository of "seeds" intended for various locations. Important to note is that the online platform is a means to an end. We envision the collected seeds in a physical form and are intended to prompt thought, reflection, introspection, and above all, connection. In doing so, the game can expand beyond its initial boundaries. First those of LaBioMista, then Genk, Belgium, and so on, spreading to further regions. Players can engage with the seeds by following specific trails or encountering them serendipitously, creating a network of interconnected experiences.
Come to think of it, the game sort of mirrors our own experiences over the past few days. I suppose the game reflects our appreciation for this opportunity and the desire to share that: an impulse to think freely, connect, and play. By encouraging individuals to interact with each other, themselves, and the environment, we aim to create a lasting impact that extends far beyond the initial players, us. We invite everyone to join us in planting seeds for the "Future Garden."
-------------
Notes:
The online platform could be used to share larger scale activities that actively bring people together. Think of the "chantier participatif".
Our central job would be to create the first seeds, give them form and create a platform for others to contribute.
In doing so a community can slowly form.
