Exploring Urban Transitions

The Interdisciplinary Studio for Territories in Transition (ISTT), mentored by Marleen Goethals, Johan De Walsche, Nathan de Feyter, Frederik Vandyck, Sigrid Heirman, Thomas Vanoutrive, Mucio Jucà (UNICAP), Marcondes (UNICAP), Sun Kishoen Misier (AdeKUS), Lula Marciano Dasai (AdeKUS), Amy Cotino (AdeKUS), Jonathan Imang (AdeKUS) en Suraj Kishoen Misier (Ilaco), is an innovative project operating at the intersection of architecture, urban planning, and heritage studies. With a focus on territories undergoing significant transitions due to external pressures, ISTT has conducted extensive research and collaborative efforts in Suriname, Brazil, and Belgium. 

From flood-prone areas like Tilff on the Ourthe (Belgium) and Ricanau Mofo on the Cottica (Suriname), to vacancy issues in Paramaribo (Suriname) and Boom (Belgium), and on informal housing (squats) in Moengo (Suriname) and Recife (Brazil), ISTT delves into a diverse range of urban and environmental contexts. 

Over the years, ISTT has forged sustainable partnerships with local universities, cultural organizations, and stakeholders, aligning its research with the pressing challenges faced by communities in these regions. Projects span multiple years and are guided by local leaders, emphasizing the importance of collaborative, community-driven approaches. 

At the heart of ISTT's methodology lies design-driven participatory action research, empowering students to immerse themselves within the research field rather than adopting an external observer stance. Through this approach, students work alongside local communities and marginalized groups to co-create solutions, build capacity, and effect positive change. 

In this series of videos, students involved in the ISTT project will share insights from their research endeavors, highlighting the impact of their collaborative efforts and the significance of design-driven participatory action research in addressing complex urban and environmental challenges.