Short answer
Critically examine the historical context and underlying power structures of any design project, particularly those related to land and resources, to ensure it does not perpetuate colonial legacies.
- Field
- Classic Design
- Source
- cIRcle (University of British Columbia) (2015)
- Method
- Genealogical approach and critical discourse analysis
- Evidence
- Strong effect
The dominant narrative of 'progress' in forestry, particularly concerning Crown-Aboriginal relations, often masks historical dispossession and perpetuates settler-colonial structures, necessitating a critical re-framing from a decolonial perspective. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2015 study published in cIRcle (University of British Columbia). Using Genealogical approach and critical discourse analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Critically examine the historical context and underlying power structures of any design project, particularly those related to land and resources, to ensure it does not perpetuate colonial legacies.
Challenging Forestry's 'Progress' Narrative: A Decolonial Approach to Design and Land Use
The dominant narrative of 'progress' in forestry, particularly concerning Crown-Aboriginal relations, often masks historical dispossession and perpetuates settler-colonial structures, necessitating a critical re-framing from a decolonial perspective.
cIRcle (University of British Columbia) · 2015
Key Findings
- 01The prevailing narrative of 'progress' in BC forestry has historically served to entrench and reproduce settler-colonial structures of domination.
- 02The dispossession of Indigenous peoples, lands, and lifeways has been foundational to the success of the forest sector.
- 03A critical examination of the legitimacy of both Crown and Indigenous sovereignties is necessary for decolonizing the forestry narrative.
Application
Design takeaway
Critically examine the historical context and underlying power structures of any design project, particularly those related to land and resources, to ensure it does not perpetuate colonial legacies.
How to apply
When designing for or researching in areas with a history of colonization, actively seek out and integrate Indigenous perspectives and histories into the design process and narrative.
Project actions
- 01When researching a design problem, consider the historical context of the land and its original inhabitants.
- 02Actively seek out and include diverse perspectives, especially those of marginalized communities, in your user research.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a critical decolonial lens for analyzing design and land-use narratives.
- +Emphasizes the importance of historical context and power structures in design practice.
Limitations
The specific historical and geographical context of British Columbia's forestry may not directly apply to all design projects.
Reliability & validity
The genealogical approach and discourse analysis provide a strong framework for critically examining historical narratives and their impact.
Think critically
How might the concept of 'progress' in other design fields (e.g., technology, urban planning) also obscure historical injustices or power imbalances?
Design Principles
"Design narratives must be decolonized to acknowledge and address historical dispossession and promote equitable land-use practices."
Understanding the historical and ongoing impact of colonial narratives on land use and resource management is crucial for designers and researchers. This insight encourages a critical examination of established design paradigms and their underlying assumptions, promoting more equitable and inclusive design practices.
What This Means for Your Design
The way we talk about 'progress' in things like forestry can hide the fact that it was built on taking land from Indigenous people. Designers need to think about this history to create fairer designs.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this research to inform your analysis of the historical context of your design problem, particularly if it involves land use or resource management.
- 2.Reference this study when discussing the importance of decolonizing design narratives and centering marginalized voices.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research highlights the critical need to decolonize design narratives, particularly in fields like forestry where dominant 'progress' discourses have historically masked Indigenous dispossession and perpetuated colonial structures. Designers must actively interrogate these narratives and center marginalized perspectives to foster more equitable and responsible design practices.
Source
cIRcle (University of British Columbia)
Decolonizing the mind : centring settler-colonial disposession and mutually contested sovereignties in British Columbia's forestry landscape and narrative
journal · 2015
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about challenging forestry's 'progress' narrative: a decolonial approach to design and land use?
- Critically examine the historical context and underlying power structures of any design project, particularly those related to land and resources, to ensure it does not perpetuate colonial legacies. Evidence: cIRcle (University of British Columbia) (2015).
- Why does "Challenging Forestry's 'Progress' Narrative: A Decolonial Approach to Design and Land Use" matter for design?
- Understanding the historical and ongoing impact of colonial narratives on land use and resource management is crucial for designers and researchers. This insight encourages a critical examination of established design paradigms and their underlying assumptions, promoting more equitable and inclusive design practices.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Critically examine the historical context and underlying power structures of any design project, particularly those related to land and resources, to ensure it does not perpetuate colonial legacies.
- What were the main findings?
- The prevailing narrative of 'progress' in BC forestry has historically served to entrench and reproduce settler-colonial structures of domination.. The dispossession of Indigenous peoples, lands, and lifeways has been foundational to the success of the forest sector.. A critical examination of the legitimacy of both Crown and Indigenous sovereignties is necessary for decolonizing the forestry narrative.
- What research method was used?
- Genealogical approach and critical discourse analysis.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2015 journal from cIRcle (University of British Columbia).
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing for or researching in areas with a history of colonization, actively seek out and integrate Indigenous perspectives and histories into the design process and narrative.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focuses specifically on the British Columbia forestry landscape, and its findings may not be directly generalizable to all contexts.