02: Rooted

Rooted: Togetherness in the built environment

The root systems of healthy trees, through underground mycorrhizal networks, are known to feed and strengthen weaker neighbouring trees. Linked root to root, a row of Aspen can resemble a single tree. This dimension of being “rooted” implies not simply individual strength, but the essential role of support networks.

In a time of unprecedented change, where is the way forward in supporting our neighbours and communities? What openings can we find to make up for lost time in seeking to re-connect with the land? What memories or histories can we draw from in order to remake our support networks even more open and caring? And finally, what might creative process offer?

Rooted was produced as part of the d.talks WriteON 2020 workshop—a series of weekend sessions between June and November. Workshop participants included artists, architects and designers, who invested the time necessary to develop design writing skills. Under the guidance of critic, editor and curator Mimi Zeiger, they wrote critical essays with the aim of articulating meaning in our urban environment. This issue features a selection of their work.

In addition to Mimi Zeiger’s leadership, we wish to express thanks to this season’s workshop leaders and mentors: Lev Bratishenko, Mark Clintberg, Marzena Czarnecka, Erica Dall’ Alara, Catherine Hamel, Suzanne Harris-Brandts, Ruth Jones, Elsa Lam, Yvonne Poitras Pratt, Susanne Schindler, and Jared Tailfeathers.

d.talks acknowledges an anonymous donation, and the ongoing support of Calgary Arts Development and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts for making this program possible. A special thanks to FOLD editors Sergio Veyzaga, Christina Amaral-Kim and Emily Cargan as well as my editorial co-chair Alicia Ta for their work on this issue. —amery Calvelli