Dr. Annina Boogen

Operation Beton
On the perception of energy infrastructure in (alpine) landscapes: Multi-perspective and aesthetic approaches

http://www.operation-beton.ch/

In this transdisciplinary research project, Annina studied hydroelectric dams and their perception in the alpine landscape in Switzerland. Her field trips took hermto the alpine regions of Switzerland: Between 2018 and 2020 she visited 26 hydro dams in eight Swiss cantons. The field is a space of participation in which she observes and was observed, act and react as equal as other beings. Her interest lie in the process of data collection (rather than in the data itself). This focus on the process led to a perception with the senses, hearing, feeling and seeing. An aesthetic approach. The collected material (sound, image, text and field protocols) is brought together in a «synthesis report» that is medially diverse and moves along the borders between scientific, literary and performative formats.

Future research will include to work with different actors (practitioners such as dam security officers, landscape conservationists and other researchers) concerned with changes in landscape caused by energy infrastructure. In addition, she will analyse whether the theoretical concept «boundary creature» can be used in combination with an aesthetic approach to negotiate and discuss meanings and preferences regarding energy infrastructure in landscapes and their differences with groups of involved actors.