S1E4: Recording Utopias with Transhumance x Alessio De Gottardi

Shownotes

With Recording Utopias, we aim to create a fluid archive of future concepts by connecting with inspiring individuals and exploring their visions, ideas, and stories. How can collaborative approaches help envision and shape a more sustainable future and what role do sheep have in this process? This is the central question we explore in this episode with Augustin Clément, Capucine Fouquin and Arianna Frascoli from the action Transhumance and Alessio De Gottardi.

"We have to be extremely critical with the theme ‚back to the future‘ reflecting on what's happening with our society at the moment, but where we can really move forward is when you bring positive actions into the right places." — Alessio De Gottardi

This conversation delves into the collaborative approaches realized during the Biennale. We focus on the Transhumance project, where architects and sheep navigate through the landscapes of Lugano, challenging urban norms and promoting human-animal coexistence. The participants discuss the logistics and unexpected challenges of their journey, emphasizing the essential roles of collaboration and adaptability. We also reflect on broader themes like cohabitation and the need for proactive, future-oriented actions. Alessio, co-curator of the Biennale, stresses the importance of reimagining our perception of the future as a realm filled with potential and enjoyment.

Augustin Clément Independent architect and teacher, graduated from EPFL. His work spans architecture and socio-ecological potentials, with a focus on rural conditions. After working at Herzog & de Meuron (2014-2017), he co-founded Totem Architecture in Geneva. Taught at EPFL and now in Potsdam. In 2022, he moved to Berlin, establishing a new practice with projects in Berlin, France, and Switzerland.

Capucine Fouquin is an architect who graduated from ENSA Paris Malaquais and SciencePo Paris. She founded the FOMA agency and carries out research on overcoming the nature/culture paradigm in the field of architecture. She is currently starting a PHD on interbeing architecture in the ALICE laboratory at EPFL where she teaches the project in the 1st year.

Arianna Frascoli Of Italian origin, she weaves together art, craft, and architecture. Graduated from the Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio, she teaches at EPFL, manages conferences and exposition at HEIA-FR, and works as a freelance architect, collaborating on projects between Italy and Switzerland and being a member of the collective la-clique.

Alessio De Gottardi lives and works between Zürich and Bellinzona. He graduated in architecture and territorial planning at ETH Zürich and engages with notions of transformation, reuse and regeneration in different scales. Beside his involvement as a curator and teacher for I2a Istituto Internazionale d’architettura in Lugano, he is part of squadra.works, a collaborative practice characterised by the symbiosis between craftsmanship and design.

Sources Transhumance @Sqadra.works @Annailocs @Capucinefouqin @AugustinClementarchitecture @Alessiodego

Recording Utopias is a production by Angelika Hinterbrandner and Laura Margarete Bertelt as part of the biennale svizzera del territorio in collaboration with Radio Industry.

Projekt Lead Angelika Hinterbrandner Moderation and Concept: Angelika Hinterbrandner, Laura Margarete Bertelt Jingle & Cover Design Laura Margarete Bertelt Production: Frank Diersch and Thomas Müller Radio Industry within the framework of Welten verbinden – Kulturland Brandenburg 2024/2025