Future Archaeologists originated from the question: how can design counter standard engagement processes in order to engage those that usually do not participate? Our response to this question was to call on people's imagination by using performance elements and speculative objects. In doing so, changing the expert to subject power dynamic.

Camden is a borough of London where national and local interests have often been in conflict with each other. Being the center of international train traffic and a hotspot for big offices has rapidly changed the social fabric of the place. Implementing the new structures to support these new developments, has proven to be difficult with a holistic consideration of the existing social fabric. As is common with large development projects, there is a large amount of research being conducted including citizens, to aid in the strategic positioning of the developments. However, a phenomenon coined as participation fatigue is believed to be stopping people from giving input in this research process. Participation fatigue could be a result of multiple factors, for instance: over consultation, lack of trust, or being unable to afford the time. Ironically, conventional research methods are not usable as tools for studying this phenomenon because they are part of its origin. The aim of this project was to strategically use design and art methodologies based on engagement and performance, to open up a discourse around civic participation. Throughout the research, we investigated experiences from research experts working within the area which laid the bases for experimental engagements with the public. All the insights were then synthesised in the form of several learning tools that can be used by researchers to deepen their empathetic responsiveness. These tools were then shared, tested, and verified in a workshop that was open to both experts and the public.

This project was part of a research program led by T-Factor, a global organisation that focuses on urban regeneration. The full report can be found here. Our contributions to the project are described on pages 234 to 243.

Future Archaeologists