Negative Capability and Regenerative Spaces: Rethinking Ethics in Landscapes and Urban Design

This paper introduces the concept of "negative capability" as a design principle essential for creating capability within public domains, particularly urban spaces. Although the existing literature on capability design extensively discusses deliberative democracy and the capability approach put forth by scholars such as Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum, the integration of 'negative capability' within this framework is an area that has received comparatively less attention. This paper and presentation argue that embracing uncertainty and ambiguity in design processes enhances public capability and thus may foster innovative ecological and social solutions.

The relevance to GRASP and the track #2 on "Earthly Belongings and Imaginaries" lies in how urban design can cultivate new forms of belonging and imaginaries. By applying "negative capability," urban spaces can be designed to allow organic interactions and resonant connections among inhabitants, which is crucial for fostering coexistence and addressing planetary crises. This approach aligns with the track’s focus on alternative forms of Earthly belonging, inviting new imaginaries for coexistence and community.

This work builds on the theoretical foundations of deliberative democracy and the capability approach, extending them through the concept of "negative capability." Hartmut Rosa’s theory of resonance is also pivotal, suggesting that quality public spaces are those that foster a resonant relationship between individuals and their environment. Hence, the paper fills a gap by linking these theories with practical design principles that accommodate the uncertainties and complexities inherent in public space creation.