ApocaStudents/Participants/Authors Kat Chavez Zina Fraser Mel Isidor Elsa Mendoza Kat Wyatt Gianina Yumul Skyler Smith
Instructor/Facilitator/Editor Sophie Weston Chien
lypse
Now
A Field Guide For the Future 2022
Workshop Teachers Patrick Hulse Amanda Ugorji Noah Shipley Jasmine Gutbrod Kira Schnitzler Raphi Tavyah Kat Wyatt Emma Werowinski Emma Chesson Kiki Cooper
Apocalypse Now was a January term course at Harvard Graduate School of Design in 2022.
Land Acknowledgements The syllabus was created on unceded Massachusett and Pawtucket land, and facilitated on unceded Catawba and Sugaree land. To learn more about the land you are on, visit native-land.ca. The project of decolonization is an active one, consider paying a land tax and supporting land back initiatives. 2
Community Agreements We build community at the speed of trust. We approach our work with a growth mindset. We practice collective self-care. We speak for ourselves and pass the mic. We challenge traditional hierarchical power structures. We contextualize our work within larger systems and dynamics.
Graphic Designer: Cathy Park
Contents
5 Schedule + Intro 8 Workshops 68 Parable of the Sower Reflection
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Workshop Schedule
Jan 3 Storytelling
with Patrick Hulse Conflict Resolution with Amanda Ugorji
Jan 5 Foraging
with Noah Shipley
Crossdisciplinary Fieldwork with Jasmine Gutbrod & Eli Silver
Jan 6 End of Life
with Kira Schnitzler
Jan 10 Edible Plant Identification
with Raphi Tavyah & Kat Wyatt
Jan 12 Weaving and Mending
with Emma Werowinski
Wilderness First Aid with Emma Chesson
Jan 13 Meditation & Healing
with Kiki Cooper
Introduction by Sophie Weston Chien
What does it mean to look towards the future? In January of 2022, our future is defined by the ongoing crises that surround us. The Covid-19 pandemic, racial injustice, extractive capitalism, and a climate permanently changed all shape what comes next. Apocalypse Now is a pithy reference but describes the very real conditions we face today. During the two weeks of J-Term, we embarked on a journey to see what it means to prepare for the unknown, and most importantly, we did it together. This class came to me on a restless night, the week before I started at the GSD. I was up thinking about what I would learn and be confronted with at the GSD, and how it might stack up to the world around me. Representation, theory, ecology would be covered for sure, but what does it mean to ground it in everyday life? And more importantly, how is what I’m learning able to connect back to my community, how can it be shared? The goal of this class was to model generous education that prioritizes building community, shares information laterally and encourages many ways of knowing. Using this model the class considered what they want and need to take with them through crises and take responsibility for their future.
The class was organized as a series of workshops with my community, a dispersed network of designers, scientists, enthusiasts, and thoughtful people. To take the class was also to meet my friends and learn from them as I do every day. A huge thank you to all of them for sharing their worlds with us and building our network of care. Each of the lectures was also open to the public (our Instagram audiences), and we had over 30 “visiting students” join us over the class. The class also engaged with a transformative text, a prescient science fiction novel set in 2024-2027 (our near future) written by the luminous Octavia Butler. Parable of the Sower afforded us names, metaphors, and motifs to learn from and apply to each workshop. In Butler’s apocalypse, the characters are on a journey to find interdependence in a world ravaged by fire, violence, and domination. This world feels like a possible escalation of our current one and made us pause on a question: Will we know when the apocalypse has actually started? One of our visiting students, Manu observed that over the course they reframed what they considered “apocalypse” skills. Instead of typical survival knowledge, addressing our relationship with nature and each other is a way to reframe crises. Absolutely apt. Living and learning together is how we will survive.
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Storytelling
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Facilitated by Patrick Hulse
Stories are powerful. They shape our reality and become our reality, or at least how we understand it. A rose by any other name will technically smell as sweet, but how we talk about a rose has the capacity to change our perception of it. When we think about some of the biggest crises facing us today—climate change, threats to democracy, social injustice—how we talk about these topics and who does the talking influences public opinion, government policy, and more.
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I know home with my eyes closed, the collection of sounds, creaks and whispers and clinks and thuds that travel up and down the stairs. The rustling of leaves on the mantle, in the window box, on the tree that shades the front door. The hiss of a waffle maker whose smell pulls me out of bed by my bellybutton. Kat Wyatt
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Home smells of the sweet foods baking in the oven, the sounds of the creaky wood as we shuffle across the floor, and looks alive amongst the many green plants taking over the space. Mel Isidor
In my childhood I moved constantly between my mother and fathers’ home; rest was never centralized, it was always somewhere else. As a young adult I found myself searching for home in relationships, which would wear and pull themselves thin. I found Home Here with myself, and the feeling has stayed put ever since. Kira Schnitzler
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A Reflection by Mel Isidor
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The storyteller workshop served as the jumpstart to our course journey. Patrick joined our course to lead a workshop with an interactive presentation that included and number of exercises to co-create stories and narratives. From the initial activity, I found the exercise to be well organized for both personal reflection as well as interpersonal connection. We started with writing our three words that reflected our relationship to “home.” My select words were here, searching, and a third that now slips my mind. Perhaps I am still searching? Once we shared our words with the group, we each stepped into new roles to craft a story from another’s words. In my own experience, I crafted the following narrative: Home smells of the sweet foods baking in the oven, the sounds of the creaky wood as we shuffle across the floor, and looks alive amongst the many green plants taking over the space.
As a couple folks shared in discussion, this exercise was particularly reflective in trying to interpret another’s narrative, honor representation, while join one’s own narrative to craft a larger story. It was enlightening to read through all the narratives created, recognizing they were the result of multiple voices. Supported by the poetic nature of each narrative, the overall exercise showcased the power and importance of storytelling through multiple perspectives. As we reflect on the larger themes of the course, one of the key lessons is how storytelling is the foundation of shaping our reality. Furthermore, they can take different forms—linguistic, auditory, visual, or any other way to activate our senses. In any context—apocalyptic or not—crafting our realities always takes on a bit of narrative form. I often think about how our “dominant” histories are nothing but a collection of stories, blending the lines between truth and fiction. In this way, storytelling is a tool for empowerment to tell and document our narratives that can serve to shape the way we see ourselves, our interpersonal relationships, and our greater society.
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A rose by any other name will technically smell as sweet,
but how we talk about a rose has the capacity to change our perception of it. —Patrick
Conflict Resolution
Facilitated by Amanda Ugorji
Practice... Understanding what stakes are there for yourself. Asking others what they want and how they feel when the stakes are low. Meeting emotional or stressful scenarios without lashing out at others. Bringing up your disagreements or hurt feelings even if it may cause friction.
A Reflection by Kat Chavez
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Conflict resolution practices invite us to embrace multiple possibilities for a malleable future. When we enter a conversation surrounding conflict with a particular outcome in mind, we will not be able to hold space appropriately for the other party’s needs. We can still advocate for ourselves while holding space for a range of outcomes. Ultimately, we may sway the other party, they may sway us, or we may find compromise. All three of these options will require support and care from each party, and if each person enters with an awareness of their needs and wishes, they need only effectively communicate and listen to the other person. Together, mutual respect will carry us through, no matter the outcome. It is also necessary to consider each party’s positionality, and how they operate in relation to one another. Different parties may hold different levels of power, and this will likely impact how they approach the situation and how much they are willing or able to compromise. This will also affect the format through which we may choose to have the conversation, as there may need be more or less distance between parties. Some situations may warrant an in-person conversation, while others necessitate written communication via text, email, or otherwise. In whichever format is chosen, it is
important to focus on the exchange at hand rather than my own ideal outcome. This involves being present in the moment as much as possible, and maintaining respect (with regard to tone, word choice, etc.) for the other party. When the conversation comes to a close, it is also important to find a clear way to identify the points of consensus and next steps for each party. Sometimes a conflict may not be resolved in a single exchange, especially when a problem involves a larger group or many pain points. In the scenario we were given in this workshop, it was clear that more conflicts existed within the group than just the one at hand. Given the interconnectedness of our relationships, whether it be at work, in our personal life, or among family, it is important to make space for future opportunities to check-in or continue the conversation at a second time. Inviting open and respectful space to discuss conflict is foundational to growing an intentional community and maintaining the health of our relationships. Amanda’s wonderful workshop has made me feel more secure in my ability to handle future moments of conflict.
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All types of resolution are valid and may be the choice you would like to make.
The key is an awareness of how you are entering the conflict. —Amanda
CrossDisciplinary Fieldwork
Facilitated by Jasmine Gutbrod & Eli Silver
Exploring Responsibly How can we honor original indigenous land stewards? How can we build relationships with our environments? What does fieldwork look like... as an artist? as a scientist? as an educator? as an architect?
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What does fieldwork look like... 28
as an artist? as a scientist? as an educator? as an architect? —Jasmine & Eli
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Mushroom Foraging
Facilitated by Noah Shipley
Please, harvest in moderation. You wouldn’t eat meat that was grey and slimy, so why would you eat a mushroom like that? It’s not worth ending up in the hospital just because you really wanted to have morel carbonara. Always cook everything thoroughly. Some toxins break down with heat (and some others don’t) and cooking can also prevent harmful bacteria. Don’t overdo it. Even if you identified the correct thing, your microbiome might not be used to eating foraged foods. Ease into it—foraging is a lifelong pursuit. When trying a new species, always exercise caution. If you found something once, you’ll find it again. The last thing on the list that I forgot to mention is that you should probably slice your mushrooms before eating them, both as a double-check of your identification, and to avoid extra protein in the form of unlucky insects!
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Our first edible species is called Chicken of the Woods. This fungus usually grows on hardwood trees (but sometimes conifers too). It’s something called a polypore, so it has a soft spongy surface on the underside, which is where the spores come from. It grows in a cluster of distinctive orange, yellow, or white fans. This mushroom is relatively easy to identify, and as far as I know, has no poisonous look-alikes. That being said, it can upset your stomach if not properly cooked, and has occasionally caused allergic reactions when eaten past its prime. It’s really good when breaded and fried.
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Chanterelles smell buttery and earthy. They have something called false gills, which look like melted or softened true gills. Unlike true gills, they’re difficult to separate from the mushroom without tearing something. If your chanterelle has true gills, it’s probably the poisonous Jack O’ Lantern. To be sure, cut your chanterelles in half. If the flesh isn’t white, or if the stem is hollow, they’re probably Jack O’ Lanterns (although there are some orange-fleshed species of Chanterelle).
I want to quickly talk about something I call mushroom vision. This ordinary superpower grants the ability to spot mushrooms at great distances, even if those mushrooms turn out to be discarded orange peels.
Mushroom vision isn’t just a neat trick though; it’s a way of noticing, of being constantly present in the landscape.
—Noah
End of Life
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Facilitated by Kira Schnitzler
How do you dream of dying? Is it important that your body remains intact, or disappears? Are you drawn to the idea of connecting your memory to a space? Is there a specific one? How do you want your loved ones to feel when you’re gone? How can you shape your final request to help them feel that way?
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When industry cannot undertake our remains, 40
the role returns to us.
—Kira
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Edible Plant Identification 42
Facilitated by Raphi Tayvah & Kat Wyatt
Situate yourself environmentally What kinds of ecosystems, plant/ animal communities, human communities how much water, what kind, in what form, where from? (learn the watershed) what are the defining features of the ecosystem what are the dominant plants Situate yourself eco-culturally who has lived, foraged, and grown here before you, and how who is foraging here now, and how? can you learn from them? Can you, should you ask permission? What existing foraging traditions exist and how can you learn from them?
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Cooking Some plants are only edible with careful preparation; others are incredibly versatile and can be used in many different ways. Cooking is also a great way to explore the versatility and personality of these new foods; and a great way to share your new knowledge with others. • • • •
what plants can only be eaten at certain times of their life? is a plant young, with few fruits/ nuts? if so, leave it, let it establish, and spread use as many parts of the plant as you can! (ie. cattails) compost what you can’t directly use
**If you need to start anywhere,
What foraging traditions already exist? 46
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And how can we learn from them? —Raphi & Kat
Weaving and Mending
Facilitated by Emma Werowinski
What are textiles and what do they mean for humanity? Textiles hold us from the moment we are born until after we die. Textiles are imbued with deep cultural meaning. Textiles provide us with physical and emotional shelter. Textiles are still the solution to many complex problems. Textiles teach us that soft is strong.
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A Reflection by Zina Fraser
In this workshop, Emma introduced the class to both the history and significance of textiles as well as the importance and power of adding mending routines into our everyday lives. Emma’s overview of textile history painted textiles as a kind of second skin for humanity—a ubiquitous feature of everyday life that keeps us warm from birth to death, facilitates self-expression, expresses cultural and religious values. Textiles are so entwined with human life that they comprise many of the metaphors through which we understand our world—the internet as “web”, society as “fabric”, the Greek myth of Clotho who spins the “thread” of human fate, etc. Textiles provide shelter, both physically and emotionally. Not only this, but textiles can be used as stents to support arteries, and weaving is entwined with the invention of computers – punch cards for looms can be understood as a precursor to computer punch cards, and weaving was key in the development of computer storage mechanisms.
In this context, Emma highlighted the idea that textiles prove to us that soft is strong. This resonated with me and my understandings of the course. Strength is not about domination. Textiles protect us from rain and snow and keep us warm for our entire lives. It’s not cotton or silk alone that make this happen, but the human act of bringing fibers together under tension—a lesson in mutual flourishing between the strands themselves, and between humans and strands. There’s something beautiful about this to me, and something sad about the alienation of people from this work.
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1 This is a plain weave, but there are many types of woven structures!
2 Weaving uses tension to take separate yarns and combine them into a structure that is stronger than the original yarns
3 Sashiko is a traditional Japanese
embroidery style from the Edo period (1615–1868). Working class families stitched layers of old or worn out cloth together to make sturdy workwear.
4 Textiles as a surface for storytelling
Mending is a physical necessity.
But mending is also caretaking, love for your community, and respecting the labor required to create textiles. —Emma
Wilderness First-Aid 56
Facilitated by Emma Chesson
A guide to backcountry rescue First Aid Kit Cloth Tape Antibiotic Ointment Antiseptic Wipe Packets Non-Latex Gloves Roller Bandage Adhesive Bandages Gauze Pads Tweezers Triangle Bandages Asprin, Diphenhydramine etc.
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Safety Patient - Public - Partner - Personal Mechanism of Injury: Environment Medical - Trauma Numbers: Resources - Patients Rescuers
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Assessing an injured person Airways Breathing Circulation Disability Exposure
Next steps for assessment Head to toe to determine pain Symptoms, allergies, medications, pertinent history, last ins/outs, events Vital signs (pulse and respiration every 2 minutes)
Hypothermia Symptoms Shivering Exhaustion Confusion Fumbling hands Memory loss Slurred speech Drowsiness Cold-to-touch, bright red skin Unusually low energy Unconsciousness Treating Hypothermia Remove any wet clothes Protect person against wind/further heat loss Move gently to a warm, dry shelter Begin rewarming with extra clothing Take the person’s temperature Offer warm liquids but avoid alcohol and caffeine Don’t give fluids to an unconscious person
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Sizing up a scene: 60
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looking through many lenses —Emma
Meditation & Healing 62
Facilitated by Kiki Cooper
Forms of Healing Physical (body) Emotional (heart) Mental (mind) Spiritual (soul) Holistic (all of the above)
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When asked “If the apocalypse were happening right now, would you be ready?” most people would answer with skill-related responses that do not include inward reflection. The workshop challenges the concepts of preparation for impending doom and instead of focusing on meditation only, looks at what it means to begin healing. There is a large amount of pain, love, coping, harm, and trauma that we all have experienced that have negatively impacted our well-being.
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How can we heal? There are many ways to heal including but not limited to: yoga, breathwork, exercise, meditation, art, singing, therapy, dancing, cooking, eating food, restoring our energy, balancing our energy, harmonizing with others, being with/in community or doing anything that sparks joy. Other terminology to healing work looks like self-care, collective care, mindfulness exercises, connection to nature, introspection, solitude, inner child work, soul retrieval, and self-love. When do we stop healing? Healing should be a continuous effort and a lifelong journey. But it’s important to know when to take a break. During the facilitation, students were encouraged to take a 15-minute break and offered various ways to engage in taking a break. Students were asked to either stand up and stretch, grab a glass of water, meditate, or write down/think about what they wanted to get better at. When the facilitation resumed, we reflected on the break together.
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Before starting such introflection, one must check in with their mind, body, and spirit.
The best way to accomplish this is to truly ask oneself, how are you doing? and answer it honestly. —Kiki
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Parable of the Sower
Written by Octavia Butler
Facilitated by Sophie Chien
Parable of the Sower is a 1993 science fiction novel by American writer Octavia E. Butler. It is an apocalypse science fiction novel that provides commentary on climate change and social inequalitpy. The novel follows Lauren Olamina in her quest for freedom. Several characters from various walks of life join her on her journey north and learn of a religion she has crafted titled Earthseed. 70
We read and discussed Parable of the Sower over the two-week J-Term, relating it to the workshops and contemporary society.
Sometimes people say I look grim or angry. Better to have them think that than know the truth. Better to have them think anything than let them know just how easy it is to hurt me. —Page 13
Given any chance at all, teaching is what I would choose to do.... if I do it well, it will draw people to me—to Earthseed. —Page 122
Few believe God is another word for nature. And nature turns out to mean just about anything they happen to not understand or feel control of. —Page 15
Freedom is dangerous, but it’s precious too. —Page 124
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building relationships + trust is key to survival”
apocalypse as an opportunity
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how might centering the fact if inevitable change allow us to approach life with greater tenderness?
Somet you’re t with you boo
Lauren’s concept of God—God is malleable, can be shaped. God can be found in many things. God isn’t an omnipotent being.
thing taking from the ok
gift-giving starts a reciprocal relationship
being more conscious of breaking down hero/anti-heros into complex humans
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meet people where they are
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accepting the reality and trusting that there are forces/ catalysts larger than me at play. I accept being shaped, and being a shaper
How you fac apocaly
asking questions instead of assuming
as I am now—lots of freaking out, breathing, unlearning, relearning, community building, trustbuilding, etc. cultivate curiosity and root out cynicism.
will ce the ypses?
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learning and listening to my body’s physical cues, building trust
with more recordkeeping practices
what I like about earthseed is it is very open-ended. You can apply the ethos “God is change” to any number of tasks that then become ritual through imbuing a renewed sense of “god” into them. Gardening, walking, the changing of the seasons, etc.
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I think it encourages the grounding of human relationships-altering the changes that are possible.
the steps through which new members needed to go to build trust were kind of like a ritual - first sharing a meal, then being put on watch without a weapon, and finally being trusted on watch alone.
What is role of r in earth entropic c
s the ritual hseed/ change?
agreed with this comment—providing ritual and structure in the absence of it creates trust among Earthseed members and a regained feeling of control. It also brings to mind why we spend so much time teaching rituals in early childhood development/why little kids playing games at recess spend so much time debating rules - structures provide frameworks for efficiently navigating entropy & chaos.”
important to build opportunities for human connection with each other and the natural world. Building a sense of grounding, trust, and purpose amongst change and chaos.
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