BULB x GreenFeel/PLAI: Exploring Biodesign, Biodiversity & Volunteering
During the first week of September, our project partner PLAI hosted Angela Pisani from the creative hub BULB in Gent, Belgium for a week-long exchange exploring biodesign, biodiversity, and community engagement.
Day 1 – GreenFeel
The week began with an introduction round where Angela was introduced to the various projects and initiatives at PLAI, Ambasada, and GreenFeel. A warm welcome exemplified how this socially minded project stands out. Even on the first day, lively discussions emerged around volunteering and volunteer management. A tour of Ambasada provided insight into its history and the many projects it hosts. In the evening, the group gathered with volunteers at GreenFeel, where Angela gave her first introduction to biodesign. The session sparked a wide-ranging exchange with participants and set an engaging tone for the week ahead.
Day 2 – GreenFeel
The second day featured both theoretical and hands-on sessions. The practical workshop on anthotypes (UV-sensitive plant-based prints) began with a walk through the community garden. Participants discussed local plant knowledge, biodiversity indicators, and the importance of recognizing pioneer plants. Christina, the landowner, shared valuable insights into the site’s ecological history and water systems, underlining how understanding a place’s past shapes its future potential. The group also discussed the principles of responsible foraging before creating anthotypes using turmeric and alcohol prepared from plants collected in the garden.
Day 3 – Site Visit: Former Zoo
Amadeea led an extensive tour of the former zoo, followed by a discussion on the opportunities and challenges of redeveloping such a complex site involving multiple stakeholders. The evening session focused on practical approaches to biodiversity education, including interactive games designed to shift perspectives on local environments. Participants explored methods used in developing regionally relevant educational materials and discussed ways to measure biodiversity in rewilding contexts, both for volunteer programs and children’s workshops.
Day 4 – AMBASADA Bistro
Angela received a comprehensive tour of the city, offering insight into the evolving relationship between public space and volunteering over recent decades. This local perspective provided a valuable starting point for reflecting on effective community engagement methods. Later, Angela gave a presentation on her own experiences as a volunteer, board member, and coordinator, sharing both personal insights and practical examples. Discussions touched on strategies for integrating and motivating volunteers, creating supportive work environments, and recognizing volunteering as a pathway for upskilling and social contribution.
Day 5 – Open Discussion: The Creative Hub as a Third Space
The week concluded with an open discussion addressing key questions that had arisen throughout the sessions. Topics included text criticism and media literacy in the digital age, with Angela drawing on her historical background to offer valuable perspectives on navigating information and AI-driven media. The group also explored intercultural communication and non-violent conflict resolution, using interactive exercises based on Romania’s Sustainable Development Goals and a humorous Guardian article about a rogue snail disrupting a neighborhood.
The GreenFeel exchange week highlighted the dynamic intersections between creativity, ecology, and community engagement, demonstrating how collaborative learning and open dialogue can foster sustainable and socially rooted practices!
