Wandering and Wondering with Natural Stones: Unusual Geoscience Communication and Education Experiences in Constructed Spaces in Brazil and Finland

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

Raising public awareness of geosciences is an interesting field with potential for diverse experiments in geoscience communication. Such experiments can also be multi- and cross-disciplinary by mixing geosciences, arts, and humanities. Natural stones are an asset for such activities in constructed environments. Here, examples of such experiences are reported from Finland and Brazil. In the Brazilian experience, geoaesthetics and psychogeography were applied in shopping malls in Florianópolis in 2002–2004. Geography students located, mapped, described, and documented natural stones found in walls, balconies, floors, and columns of the malls by wandering. This “odd” activity was considered as a “performance” in the semi-public space. The reactions of customers towards the activity were also observed. The unusual behavior of the students aroused the curiosity of passersby, as well as of security staff, and for this reason, permission was needed to carry out the exercise. In the example from Finland, an urban geowalk took place during an International Performance Festival in the downtown area of Turku in 2014. Beyond the above-mentioned concepts and activities, georhythmics was also applied. The geological meaning of natural stones and their importance in architecture and for society were explained to the participants. This was also reinforced by sensorial and corporeal exercises involving the simulation of geological processes, i.e., georhythmics. These multidisciplinary and artistic interventions in constructed spaces were interesting and useful experiences. They involved the adaptation, development, and application of uncommon practices in unusual places for geoscience communication and education, mixing art, geology, architecture, and vanguard anti-art concepts. Such practices may help to raise public awareness of geosciences. They lift natural stones from their familiar urban contexts to enable appreciation of their origin, geoaesthetics, and applications.