Inspired by the paper Aesthetics of Sustainability: The Relation of Aesthetics and Environmental Sustainability (Hemmati, 2016), this project aims to involve youth in co-developing artistic and functional structures by portraying landscape as an ecological and cultural phenomena. In this project we are building structures for urban food production as tools for green landscaping and to increase biodiversity using an artistic approach. These prototypes are designed, developed and built by youth groups with the support of the project team and external educators. An example of a prototype that could be developed is a functional metal sculptures from old scraps that are designed to create a microclimate optimal to grow a certain crop.

Application process opens: 15 November 2024 on Cobudget

Application process closes: 23 December 2024

Decision about funded projects: 15 January 2025

Design of prototypes: February-March

Build of prototypes: April-August

Exhibition of prototypes: September 2025

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The program does not only cover up to 2500 euros (29 000 SEK) funds for materials per prototype, it also covers funds for workshops the youths themselves can choose. Each participating group will have the funds to organise 2 workshops that help them develop their own prototype. These workshops will be open to the public.

Lastly, the project also funds a public event on the topic of growing beauty in urban environments open to the public and showcasing the participants ideas and prototypes. At the end of the project, an exhibition will take place where prototypes from both Finland and Sweden will be exhibited.

This project is a collaboration project between Dodo ry (Finland) and Blivande through the Erasmus+ Small Scale Partnership program. Located in similar climates and similar old industrial areas, predominantly marked by asphalt and betong, this project supports the development of sculptures that increase green areas and biodiversity. Given the similar climates, the structures can be replicated in both places. The descriptions on these prototypes will be made available in form of a PDF document and spread on social medias, the Erasmus result platform and will be available her to download