Vinschgau controversies and design perspectives.

This winter semester, I wanted to encourage a group of interested students to rethink design in the context of the social, ecological and agricultural controversies of our time. (neuer Absatz!)

As part of the A is for Apple project, we have explored the history of the apple as food, commodity and cultural plant, from cultivation to sorting as well as its storage, packaging and marketing infrastructure. In our research, we have analysed the conflicts and effects of intensive apple farming on ecosystems, the cultural landscape and tourism. Our work took place against the background of the specific climate challenges in the Vinschgau Valley, such as increasing wind dynamics, water scarcity and new weather extremes. We have also learnt from the protagonists of the "Malser Weg", a civil society movement against the excessive use of pesticides and for sustainable regional development in the Upper Vinschgau, and from the European "Green Deal" initiative, which aims to shape a biodiverse and climate-neutral future. (neuer Absatz!)

In his 1987 text „The Reasoning of Designers“, Horst Rittel wrote: „Understanding what the problem is, is the problem”. We therefore stress the importance of critical problem awareness in design, based on careful research, on-site observations and an understanding for the conflicting interests of the stakeholders involved. From our dialogue with agribusiness critics and in collaboration with the South Tyrolean apple producer VI.P, a series of design projects evolved, ranging from the fruit to the cultural landscape.

Project partners

- VI.P Association of Val Venosta producers of fruit and vegetables.

- Platform for Cultural Heritage Cultural Production, Dr. Waltraud Kofler-Engl