Pluriversal Civic Encounters

At the heart of these workshops is the idea of the pluriverse—the recognition of many possible worlds. We apply this lens to data by acknowledging its varied forms. Instead of treating data as only numerical, or representing it solely through charts and graphs, these workshops use collage, written annotation and collective mapping to expand how information can be expressed and shared. In doing so, they open space for diverse voices and perspectives, making data a more inclusive and participatory practice.

Inspired by Chile’s 1970s Project Cybersyn, the workshops connect with the Latin American spirit of the 1970s, where social good was pursued through design, alongside creative and experimental ways of engaging with people and fostering participation.

Each session involves storytelling, dialogue, and collaborative making. Participants weave personal stories with public data and media sources, creating visual narratives that reframe and recontextualise shared realities. By combining oral histories, cultural knowledge, and historical sources, we not only challenge dominant frameworks of neutrality and objectivity but also bring overlooked dimensions to the surface—such as emotions behind local policies or the lived impact of community services.

The results take the form of collective models and annotated collages that act as critical data visualisations. These artefacts open space for reflection and offer new ways to see and shape our communities.