Low-tech Music Festivals: a European exploration of alternative approaches and tools for socio-environmental event design

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bachelor_Serre_Matteo_2024.pdf (2.17 MB)

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School of Arts, Design and Architecture | Bachelor's thesis
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Date

2024

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Major/Subject

Major of Design

Mcode

Degree programme

Bachelor's Programme in Design

Language

en

Pages

72 + 18

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Abstract

In the face of growing concerns about the environmental impact of human activities, Music Festivals have increasingly been pointed out as noteworthy contributors to climate change (energy, water, and food consumption). However, the will to develop culture and art through music events should not forget its environmental impact of its activities. Previous papers and organizations have analyzed the different techniques for organizers, participants, artists, and managers to lower the impact of their field. Indeed, it is necessary to understand how to do so. Therefore, this thesis conducts qualitative research involving interviews with festival organizers to discover the benefits of socio-environmentally focused alternatives. On one hand, it conducts a more in-depth exploration of the Low-tech innovations for lighting, infrastructure, and scenography. On the other hand, it dissects the alternative approaches to organize a music festival (Localized and Mobile festivals). This study provides an overview on the issues of Music Festivals, the importance and power of such practice, and interlinking topics about durable partying and community building. Indeed, Music Festival organizers should partake in repurposing materials or hacking “outdated” equipment (video projector), building low-energy electric systems with optimized stage design, and tools for transportable live performance (bike trolleys). This thesis concludes that, similarly to the Low-tech philosophy, Music Festivals should be decentralized, favoring localism and cultural outreach, reducing their audience capacity, and most importantly raising awareness and changing social norms. As a result, Music festivals become experimental platforms for durable alternative community building and societal organization.

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Supervisor

Chun, Namkyu

Thesis advisor

Chun, Namkyu

Keywords

degrowth, low-tech, music festivals, sustainable, event design, ecological transition, socio-environmental

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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202407145113

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[kand] Taiteiden ja suunnittelun korkeakoulu / ARTS (Open access)