My research work investigates the ‘commons’ as space and process and as a route to reclaiming our shared inheritance and building a sustainable future.

There is an urgent need to preserve and protect our natural commons and recognise the value of collective commoning practices that allow citizens to take power with a shared responsibility to steward and take care of nature, knowledge or practices.

My work is equally mindful of our interconnectedness with nature, other people, communities, and institutions. I use ‘research through design’ methodologies where I am embedded in my local community, working to facilitate the design capabilities of local people.

Walking in search of the commons

A model of sustainable design practice rooted in the commons and acts of commoning. The model consists of a walk for women, the objective of which is to identify common land, currently underutilised, in the public domain for the common good, perhaps as community gardening projects.

http://sarahmacbeth.com/walking-in-search-of-the-commons/

https://vimeo.com/340197576

Festival as a commons

The co-design of a festival of sustainable ideas called ‘Sustainability on Sea’. An act of commoning, collectively revealing a social ecosystem alongside the creation of new shared knowledge, the festival also acts as a platform for other commoning practices. This research explores how design practices can support, amplify and expand commoning practices. With a ‘research through design’ method I was embedded in the festival team for the duration of the project and designed data visualisations reflecting back on the collective practice.

http://sarahmacbeth.com/research-through-design-data-visualisations-to-support-a-commons-based-future/