March 11: I might delay my thesis!

2020-03-11T17:00:00.000-07:00

Just now, I was informed that all our workshop events will be cancelled due to Corona virus prevention. Oslo has implemented stricter measures that unfortunately led to events, with more than 100 participants attending, getting cancelled.

So what now?

My case study is basically dependent on these workshop events. Therefore, I may have to delay my thesis OR another way is to redesign my research, which might be more difficult.
We'll see how it goes...

First Visit at Olafiagangen

2020-02-03T06:39:00.003-08:00

I decided to create this blog as a reflection journal for my master's thesis. The purpose is to be more reflective as a design professional and to learn more from the methods and theories I learned from my program.

My topic is related to citizen participation and public space, using an area called Olafiagangen in Oslo, Norway. Oslo has a goal to ensure a safe and inclusive city for its inhabitants through its programs. My research question is: to what extent can citizen participation help ensure a more safe and inclusive public space?

Coming from the Philippines, I was quite inspired by how democratic it is here in Scandinavia when it comes to city planning, so I would like to know more about the complex process of participation, how it's done, how inclusive it is, and how important it is in achieving the city's goals.

For my thesis, I'll be collaborating with a non-profit organization that specializes in participatory methods. They've got a temporary upgrade project at Olafiagangen. I honestly have no idea how the collaboration will be, but I'm very excited to learn.

Under the bridge at Olafiagangen

Today, I visited the site, located in Grønland, central Oslo. This area is known to many Norwegians because of its negative reputation (high crime, drug sale and lack of maintenance). A lot of people are scared to pass through this area, especially children and the elderly, because for them Olafiagangen is "unsafe".

When I arrived, it was around 11. The subway station (Grønland) is right beside Olafiagangen so it was very convenient to access. The moment I got out of the station, I saw a great number of pigeons and doves. There was a man feeding them and a couple who took photos of the birds flocking. Later, after walking around, I read a sign saying feeding birds is not allowed.

Beside the station is Grønland Torg, with shops selling fruits and vegetables, clothing, etc. Most of the people I saw seem to have an immigrant background, which to me feels kind of cool being an immigrant myself.

To the west of Olafiagangen is a river called Akerselva (see above image). It was very relaxing to see a river in the city. It balances its busy mood. I didn't see many people staying in the park for long though, I guess it's the weather. I only saw a mother with her daughter who seems to enjoy the presence of those birds. There's also a photographer roaming around. Some teenagers. But birds dominate human count in this area.

My phone died after taking the above photo. But I managed to go around, explored the perimeter and tried to relate and understand the things I read about this place.

Olafiagangen is very special. The proximity to the city center is an opportunity and at the same time a threat, depends on how you look at it. It's very diverse and has a lot of potentials if planned carefully.

I don't know much yet, I'm basically just trying to get the feel around the place, but to be honest, the area feels a bit disconnected to the whole city, judging by its physical characteristics.

Daily rover

March 11: I might delay my thesis!

First Visit at Olafiagangen