SILENT INHABITANTS
Multispecies Ethnography of Urban Microalgae
Silent Inhabitants is an ethnographic exploration of microalgae within the urban environment of Barcelona. Conducted in Ciutadella Park and Bogatell Beach, the research observes how these microorganisms inhabit the city and interact—often invisibly—with human and non-human dynamics.
Framed within posthumanist and multispecies ethnography, the project places non-human life at the center of analysis, questioning anthropocentric views and examining how different species co-create shared worlds. Field observations revealed the adaptability of microalgae to diverse conditions and invited reflections on human presence: movements such as rowing in the lake may unintentionally influence algal growth, highlighting the intertwined nature of urban ecologies.
The project raises questions about visibility, awareness, and design: Can making microalgae perceptible foster new forms of environmental sensitivity? How might design engage with non-human agents as collaborators rather than resources? Ultimately, Silent Inhabitants proposes a shift toward relational and ecological thinking—inviting us to reconsider our coexistence with the often overlooked life forms that quietly sustain the urban landscape.
Framed within posthumanist and multispecies ethnography, the project places non-human life at the center of analysis, questioning anthropocentric views and examining how different species co-create shared worlds. Field observations revealed the adaptability of microalgae to diverse conditions and invited reflections on human presence: movements such as rowing in the lake may unintentionally influence algal growth, highlighting the intertwined nature of urban ecologies.
The project raises questions about visibility, awareness, and design: Can making microalgae perceptible foster new forms of environmental sensitivity? How might design engage with non-human agents as collaborators rather than resources? Ultimately, Silent Inhabitants proposes a shift toward relational and ecological thinking—inviting us to reconsider our coexistence with the often overlooked life forms that quietly sustain the urban landscape.
