Xiyan Mao

Habitat

Human civilization & human-centred developments have resulted in environmental crises. The recent long-going pandemic caused by COVID-19 also proved the effect that exists between human and non-human well-being, which is demonstrated in both urban wildlife and house pets. Engaging designs for multi-species cohabitation would be a solution that encourages a rethinking of future cities, re-creation of multispecies civilization, re-construct of a livable environment and re-linking of neighbourhood friendship.

The project Habitat is mainly exploring the possibility of a collective community that allows the cohabitation of humans, pets, and urban wildlife in a Melbourne suburban context. The project shifts the perspective from “just-human” and focuses on “more-than-human” design. In Habitat, both humans and non-humans will be seen as the clients. The design explores modular systems to achieve adaptable spaces at different scales. The goal of Habitat is to integrate the living environment for human and non-human groups, providing better living experiences that encourage interaction happening across multispecies towards both socially and environmentally sustainable futures.