Stories form who we are, how we think, and in turn, how we shape the world. The more stories we have to draw upon, the more tools we have at our disposal to adapt our thinking. But how can we listen to these stories and pay attention more comprehensively?This chapter allows people to hear the voices of those who have been working with water and data for much longer than WaterWays. The testimonies collected here come from a broad range of fields: scientists, academics, local inhabitants, students, and ecologists. Carlotta Novella Carlotta Novella is an artist, architect, teacher and host, part of London based practice public works. Having graduated from IUAV Venice, and after that from the MA Arch programme at Central Saint Martins, she has since developed a multidisciplinary practice which explores the idea of gathering and the new tools created by architects to foster participatory city making. Her work looks at how spaces, structures and rituals of food production and sharing can develop civic practices, promoting direct involvement and collective action, to transform and reclaim contemporary public life through conviviality.
Michael Smythe Michael Smythe is an artist and creative director of Nomad Projects, an independent arts foundation that develops experimental projects across digital and location-specific spaces. Nomad Projects critically engages with issues surrounding environmental and social justice within the urban landscape.Current projects include 'Phytology', an urban physic garden and research institute in Bethnal Green (East London) and the Mobile Apothecary, a herbal medicine dispensary providing free healthcare to individuals and communities with limited access to quality health support.Michael studied installation, performance and art history at the Australian National University, Canberra, and Hochschule Der Künste, Berlin.
Mark Spencer Dr Mark Spencer is an experienced and internationally respected botanist. His expertise covers many disciplines including forensic botany, the plants of North-west Europe, invasive species and the history of botanical science. He also works globally as a seasoned writer, public speaker and television presenter.