By Filipa Corais

In this introductory article, I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to Abayomi Academy for the opportunity to explore, reflect on, and share knowledge, as well as to congratulate the institution on its exemplary work and achievements.

This article introduces the thematic framework that will be explored over the coming months, aiming to answer the following guiding question:

How can Conscious Citizenship drive a sustainable transition and integrate interdisciplinary approaches?

Over the next 11 months, the theme of Conscious Citizenship will be addressed in a transdisciplinary manner, with a particular focus on its intersection with my main fields of expertise, which I believe will provide an innovative perspective: architecture, urban planning, sustainable mobility, transition management, and climate change. Given the urgent need for change in favor of sustainability, this topic—explored and analyzed within the scope of my doctoral research (currently in its final stages)—draws on empirical studies of practical cases, applying social innovation techniques.

From an Anthropocene perspective (Banerjee, 2021; Crutzen, 2002; Malm & Hornborg, 2014; Wright et al., 2018), Conscious Citizenship should encourage us to move beyond the prevailing human-centered worldview, recognizing the impact of human activity on the biosphere and, consequently, driving changes in attitudes, behaviors, and mindsets. This awareness, combined with uncertainty about the planet’s future due to human actions and capitalist economic practices, calls for the integration of various scientific fields into a broader and more holistic narrative (Wright et al., 2018). Recent studies indicate that societal empowerment and awareness of the impact of individual and collective actions are key factors in the transformation process (Corais, 2021, 2022).

In this context, Conscious Citizenship refers to a critical awareness of the impact of human actions on the environment, society, and governance, driving the adoption of sustainable practices aimed at systemic and structural change. This concept will be examined through three key pillars:

1. Socio-environmental awareness and responsibility – Recognizing the impact of human actions on future generations, equity, and social justice.
2. Active participation and co-creation – Engaging in decision-making processes to promote collective solutions.
3. Innovation and adaptation for transition – Utilizing social innovation tools, such as co-creation and transition management, to drive structural change.

Gibson et al. (2015) advocate for action research, arguing that experimentation brings the researcher closer to the object of study and enables the testing of new ways of living in the Anthropocene. Following Crutzen’s (2002) perspective, which attributes climate change to anthropogenic—and therefore societal—causes, social innovation and social experiments can serve as a bridge between Anthropocene research and Transition Management. This approach integrates the application of Transition Arenas and Transition Experiments to foster a shift in mindsets, attitudes, and behaviors toward more sustainable practices.

Within this process of experimentation, the architect-researcher plays a transducer role, bringing solution testing into the public space based on diagnostic interpretation and community consultation. These solutions can generate significant societal impacts (Corais, 2021, 2022).

In upcoming articles, I will explore how social innovation and experimentation in architecture, urban planning, and mobility can be applied to strengthen Conscious Citizenship, providing concrete examples and potential strategies. This framework will serve as the foundation for future discussions, guiding a transition towards a (+) Conscious Citizenship within a broad societal context. It underscores the need for mutual learning—among researchers, governance, businesses, and society as a whole—and for cultural, structural, and practical shifts in everyday life.

Wishing you a (+) Conscious Citizenship!

References:

Banerjee, S. B. (2021). Celebrating the End of Enlightenment : Organization Theory in the Age of the Anthropocene and Gaia ( and why neither is the solution to our ecological crisis ). https://doi.org/10.1177/26317877211036714

Corais, F. (2021). A Cidade a “Caminhar” para 2050. Braga como Laboratório para um Sistema Urbano Resiliente e Sustentável (Projeto Tese). Universidade do Minho.

Corais, F. (2022). The City “ Walking ” to 2050 . Braga as a Laboratory for a Resilient and Sustainable System (MIT Poster Award). MIT Portugal.

Crutzen, P. J. (2002). Geology of mankind – Crutzen – Nature. Nature, 415(January), 2002.

Gibson, K., Rose, D. B., & Fincher, R. (2015). Manifesto for Living in the Anthropocene – Website abstract. http://punctumbooks.com/titles/manifesto-for-living-in-the-anthropocene/#

Malm, A., & Hornborg, A. (2014). The geology of mankind? A critique of the anthropocene narrative. Anthropocene Review, 1(1), 62–69. https://doi.org/10.1177/2053019613516291Wright, C., Nyberg, D., Rickards, L., & Freund, J. (2018). Organizing in the Anthropocene. Organization, 25(4), 455–471. https://doi.org/10.1177/1350508418779649

Filipa Corais is a PhD candidate at the School of Architecture of the University of Minho, with a research grant from MIT-Portugal/FCT. She holds a degree in Architecture from the University of Coimbra and a master’s in Urban Environment Planning and Design from the University of Porto. Since 2016, she has served as Head of the Mobility Division at the Municipality of Braga. With teaching experience in various international institutions, she has been recognized for her work in sustainable mobility and conscious citizenship, including the Abayomi Academy International Award 2024.

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