TABOO - TRANSGRESSION - TRANSCENDENCE

Design has traditionally focused on improving human lives, often at the expense of other species and ecosystems. This anthropocentric approach has contributed to habitat destruction, ecological imbalances, and the exclusion of non-human beings from human-shaped spaces. This paper introduces embodied movement practices as a method to build empathy and foster collaboration across species through immersive workshops. Drawing on Uexküll’s Umwelt theory, Gibson’s ecological psychology, and somatic design principles, these workshops allow participants to explore the sensory worlds of non-human species, such as dogs and pigeons. These workshops challenge human-centered paradigms by offering designers an experience of how non-humans perceive the world. Through sensory simulations and guided activities, participants can temporarily "step into the shoes" of non-humans and explore their sensory worlds. Tools like dichromatic lenses, which replicate how dogs rely more on smell than sight, and beak prosthetics, which mimic bird behaviors like foraging and navigation, provide designers with firsthand insights into the challenges and behaviors unique to non-human species. This fosters a more inclusive approach to design, viewing non-human species as critical stakeholders. Participants use these insights to create practical, inclusive solutions for shared environments. Case studies include designs addressing the sensory and behavioral needs of dogs—such as olfactory-enriched spaces, non-toxic sensory gardens, and texture-focused pathways—and pigeon-friendly urban features like safe perches and feeding stations. These examples demonstrate how embodied empathy can inspire designs that promote coexistence. This paper demonstrates how embodied movement practices enable designers to empathize with and address the sensory and behavioral needs of non-human species. By fostering ecocentric approaches, these workshops offer practical frameworks for designers, researchers, artists, educators, and others. Inspired by Haraway’s concept of coexistence, this work envisions a future where design transcends human-centric limitations, embracing shared responsibility and fostering resilient, multispecies environments through inclusive and innovative practices.