mediating spaces

Eva Ekeblad (eva.ekeblad who-is-at ped.gu.se)
Fri, 3 Oct 1997 22:25:52 +0200

Yesterday evening I read a presentation of the Change Laboratory (In
Lifelong Learning in Europe 2 -96) by Yrj=F6 Engestr=F6m and his crew at the
Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research) -- it was the
easiest-to-find sample of Yrj=F6's triangular model in my piles of paper. Th=
e
Change Lab is an AT approach to the redesign of workprocesses: it is
workplace-based and participatory. (The example used in the article is the
project at the Finnish Postal Services).

What immediately struck me was the kinship to the 5thD in the theoretically
informed construction of a setting for development: moving research out of
the University laboratory setting and putting it in synergy with the
researched activity system on the home turf of that activity system. On the
other hand, creating a space (preferably a dedicated room) within the
localities of the "host" system that is in some sense a "sheltered" place
for development. A hybrid setting, if you wish.

In both cases a central organizing artifact plays an important role in the
setting. The maze in the 5thD is intended both to serve as a memory and to
structure the activities. In the Change Lab there are simply three flip
charts (+ a VCR): not so trivially each flip chart has its specific
function, and so just as the Maze they serve to structure the activity AND
provide a public memory. (Charts are dedicated to 1) Model&Visions 2)
Ideas&Intermediary tools 3) "Mirror" of specific events & conditions in the
activity system)

Now, naturally the differences are obvious... so I needn't list them :-)

Eva