The special session where Those Who Become Placed presents, is called E(c)hotoning Urban Futures. Session builds on the ecological notion of ecotones – zones of transition between distinct systems. Ec(h)otoning emphasizes ongoing boundary negotiations, and spatial tuning across ecological, social, material, and technological domains and how urban processes unfold in feedback loops – often indirectly, across time, and with unexpected effects. Rather than treating cities as systems with clear problems and straightforward solution, ec(h)otoning draws attention to the ongoing, relational adjustments between ecological, social, and infrastructural dynamics.
The concept of liminality that has been central for Those Who Become Placed is close to the idea of ec(h)otoning. The presentation includes performative elements and discusses some of the findings, while also promoting a book chapter soon to come.
SESSION on Tuesday June 30th, 14-15:30, Otakaari 1, Room M141
Read more on the World Planning Schools Congress 2026
Those Who Become Placed develop a joint practice of architectural research and activistic dance. We are interested in how embodied movement can help people to be present in urban transformation. The project has been funded by Finnish Cultural Foundation, Tampere University, City of Tampere and the European Union implemented by the Goethe-Institut.
Photo by Mia Tiihonen during Kokko 1721 residence