HumanNature

HumanNature is an interdisciplinary project for the design of open spaces at Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences and the Senckenberg Society for Nature Research. The aim is to use posthumanist approaches to create urban spaces in which human-nature relationships can be seen, experienced and rethought.

Students develop design concepts that promote coexistence between human and non-human species. The locations serve as learning spaces for transformative pedagogy and creative processes. The project is being implemented with partner institutions and is also intended to facilitate communication with local residents.

In 2025, the focus will be on the Frankfurt UAS campus: in preparation initial concepts for experimental open spaces on the theme of the urban water cycle are being developed under the term ‘hydrocitizenship’.

In 2026, the focus will be on the Senckenberg Museum location as part of the World Design Capital year. Various open spaces will be analysed there, and their ecological and atmospheric qualities in particular will be incorporated into the design of the interventions. Activities in the summer semester of 2026 will also include a public lecture series by the Senckenberg Society and interactive formats on the topic of urban nature. The examination of the lives of different species and the multi-species-oriented change of perspective encourages an attitude of designing urban spaces not only for, but with all living beings.

Frankfurt UAS: Management (Prof. Dr. J. Dieterle; Prof. Dr. Y. Or)

Senckenberg Society: Scientific support, location, event (Dr. J. Krohmer)

Institute for Social-Ecological Research: Scientific participation, Students: Design, Local actors: Active participation, City of Frankfurt: Technical support