Thomas Coldefy, Isabel Van Haute, Zoltán Neville

Our project for the Villa, titled “Green DiverCity: Greenspace Integration Strategies for Equity, Affordability, and Cultural Multiplicity,” explores the potential of productive and performative greenspaces in various urban centers to address current and future urban challenges. 

This project aims to establish a comprehensive framework for applying these themes. We will systematically analyze how these concepts can be applied to resolve pressing issues such as cultural diversity, neighborhood identity, gentrification, displacement, affordability, health, and climate resilience. 

Our study will be conducted over three months in three distinct cities: Lille Metropole, Miami, and Chicago, each with unique urban and climatic characteristics. It will consist of three phases: analysis, experimentation, and comparison. During the analysis phase, we will examine each context to identify existing problems and potential opportunities. The experimentation phase will involve developing speculative design scenarios for situations with the greatest potential for positive change. Finally, the comparison phase will identify patterns and differences in various urban and climatic conditions. 

Inspired by Bruno Latour’s critique of the nature-culture divide, we will deepen our theoretical framework to better understand the relationship between the natural and built environments. We aim to present our findings at the Chicago Biennale and through cultural platforms in Europe, such as the Venice Biennale. Our goal is to create a comprehensive guide for urban planners, developers, and architects, leveraging green urban interventions to promote cultural diversity and address urban challenges. 

To sum up, this project aims to benefit all stakeholders by utilizing green urban interventions to tackle urbanization challenges and promote cultural diversity. 

We have chosen to undertake this project in the United States, specifically focusing on Miami and Chicago, to complement our work in Lille Metropole, for several compelling reasons. The U.S. offers a rich diversity of urban environments, from Miami’s sprawling metropolis, known as the “epicenter of the Americas,” to Chicago’s industrially developed areas, the birthplace of the modern high-rise. This diversity allows us to explore and implement greenspace integration strategies across varied urban contexts. 

The global significance of the U.S. in urban development is undeniable. The nation faces challenges related to housing equity, affordability, cultural diversity, and climate resilience, making it an ideal testing ground for our research. Solutions developed here can serve as blueprints for urban centers worldwide. 

Our prior professional experience in these regions equips us with background knowledge and established relationships, facilitating collaborative dialogues with key stakeholders, including local authorities, community organizations, and academic institutions. These partnerships provide valuable insights and resources, advancing our research objectives effectively. 

The cultural and environmental diversity of Lille Metropole, Miami, and Chicago aligns harmoniously with our research goals. Lille’s historical significance, Miami’s tropical climate, and Chicago’s industrial heritage present distinct challenges and opportunities for greenspace integration. 

Coordinating our research with the Chicago Architecture Biennale offers an ideal platform to showcase our findings and engage with a global audience, amplifying the impact of our work. 

Our project aims to bridge transatlantic perspectives, fostering collaboration between European and American cities. This cross-cultural exchange enriches our research, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of urban challenges and solutions on a global scale. 

We intend to meet urban planners, community leaders, and environmental advocates, and visit urban greenspaces, community gardens, and public parks to gather diverse insights and foster interdisciplinary cooperation.