Commoning Through Institutional Aesthetics: Crafting Frames, Boundaries and Reflections in Practice

In this essay, we explore Cooper’s theorizing of institutional aesthetics and
technology to analyse a field study of a commoning process at a recreational area at
Linnarhult near Gothenburg, Sweden. The paper focuses on a series of craft
interventions that used the willow plant to make the area a common space. Using
Cooper’s theories, we analyse the community craft activities conducted at Linnarhult
as an aesthetic process of making a common space by crafting frames, boundaries and
reflections on site. We thus conclude by highlighting the process of commoning
through institutional aesthetics, and we reflect on our attempt to use Cooper’s
theoretical ideas in analysing a concrete case. His emphasis and exemplary writing on
the aesthetics of institutions has inspired us greatly, but our exploration has come
with challenges and probably a deal of betrayal.