Species to Species: Wild London Directory

2011

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Speculative Design Project

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London, UK

While non-human animals, especially those not domesticated, are not widely recognised within the common perception of the city in human society, a series of investigations (e.g., visits to the zoo, surveys of literature and film, interviews, and design examples) highlight the need to reevaluate the human-nonhuman animal relationship. Unlike domesticated and captive animals that are welcomed, feral and wild animals are viewed as standing in opposition to the human system. This project focuses on the relationship between humans and wild animals in urban settings, defining “wild” as the state of survival through foraging. Since many animals in zoos are bred in captivity, zoo animals are excluded from this study. Consequently, wild animals in urban areas are often regarded as nuisances, as they ‘erase the boundary construct[ed] between a nature governed by basic laws of survival and a culture shaped by symbolic notions of property, civility, and morality’ (Rotenberg 2004). Similar to domestic animals, wild animals adapt substantially to human environments: for example, London foxes frequently rummage through garbage bags at night. Such behaviours- perceived as transgressions by wild animals- clash with human notions of order, creating a sense of sympathy among humans that drives efforts to expel wild animals to where they supposedly belong. However, this division exists only within human theoretical thinking.

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Focusing on Greater London, it has been found that 1.4 million non-human species are confirmed to live there. This figure highlights the hidden wildlife often overlooked. Sadly, many Londoners lack the eyesight or patience to notice them. How can one become aware of what surrounds us? The idea of the city as a fortress, protected against all threats from non-human nature, needs to be challenged. While the long-standing pattern of human-non-human animal interactions—shaped by human dependence on animals over history—has dulled human perceptions of wildlife, Wolch (1998) highlights how the presence of animals within cities has influenced urban development. Wild animals have always accompanied human civilisation. Although it might seem utopian, Wolch’s concept of “zoöpolis” is conceivable. Re-establishing networks of care, friendship, and solidarity between people and animals becomes possible through a deeper understanding of each other. With the hope of creating a peaceful, trans-species space, this project, Species to Species, aims to design a series of contact zones for Londoners and wild animals in London, where both sides become active participants in coexistence. Non-human animals are not to be regarded merely as objects that humans can reach out to.

 

As the first step in learning about oneself and other species, the initial Species to Species design product is a printed directory of wild mammals in London. Mammals were considered the most suitable category to start the project, as it is believed that the expansion of empathy and sympathy begins with oneself. Humans, scientifically known as Homo sapiens, are classified under the mammal class. The design of the book follows the format of a telephone directory, providing space for non-human animals to indicate their residence in London. While concerns about anthropomorphising animals arise, the aim is to illustrate the coexistence of humans and wild animals in London, raising awareness of the existence of those often overlooked. Since typical human communication methods do not apply to the relationship between humans and non-human animals, this project interprets the appearance of non-humans as a sign of their claim to residence. By locating wild mammals within their habitats, it encourages individuals to become more aware of their environment, reflect on their practices, and observe their surroundings more closely. While London’s wildlife extends beyond the listed animals and areas, the wildlife data has been compiled solely from information submitted by those who have encountered animals. The wildlife data provided by GiGL (Greenspace Information for Greater London) is kept within Goldsmiths, University of London, due to its sensitivity.