Transdisciplinarity

Collaborative partnerships and transdisciplinary approaches are at the core of CONSUS. These approaches are key to understanding the diverse and complex local socio-political and ecological drivers of urban development. 

Geography

The research team is located at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, and Aarhus University, Denmark. Public and private partners from Tshwane and Aarhus work closely with the researchers.  All research is focused on the green space in Mabopane, City of Tshwane,  and surrounding neighborhoods. 
Kathy Berger
Human geographer
I am interested in collaborative learning approaches and how we can bridge the gap between research and application. ​
Tania du Plessis
Landscape Architect
My interest is in collaborative, cross-sectoral design approaches grounded in local context to promote greater sustainability, uptake and long-term management of natural assets.
Hazel Shirinda
Biologist
My interest is in plant ecology and ecological restoration that aims to restore degraded systems through collaborative and transdisciplinary approaches.
Maria Heines
Artist & Environmental Humanities 
I am interested in arts-based approaches and their ability to support meaningful human-nature interactions and transformation. ​
Ketla Madileng
Landscape Technologist & Local Ambassador
​My interest and engagement are grounded in Mabopane, where I explore ways to restore and sustain my childhood's nostalgic green and blue spaces—promoting ecological well-being and intergenerational social equity.
Siegwalt Küsel
Landscape Architect & Archaeologist
​Social and environmental processes continually shape our landscapes. The relationship between people and place is inherently complex and is a key driver of change in urban contexts. I am passionate about observing, learning, and collaborating to make a difference, leaving a positive impact and enhancing the lives of our people. 
Maya Pasgaard
Political ecologist 
My primary research interests lie in the sociopolitical dimensions of human-nature interactions, and how we together co-create better futures in balance with nature. I am increasingly curious and keen to explore creative and collaborative approaches across academic disciplines and societal sectors.
Ida Breed
Landscape Architect​
I am interested in how existing bonds with nature and collaboration across sectors can improve the planning and design of the urban landscape for greater socio-ecological health and well-being.
Michelle Greve
​​Biologist
My interest is in the ecology and conservation of African ecosystems. I am especially interested in the biodiversity, and threats to the biodiversity of open ecosystems such as savannas and grasslands.

Private partners

Siegwalt Küsel Landscape Architect & Archeologist
Working with strategic planning, policy, environmental, landscape architectural, rehabilitation, restoration, stormwater design, heritage, tourism, and land restitution projects. Passionate about understanding the complexity of the natural environment, the relationship with communities, and the drivers of landscape as products of social and environmental processes.
SLA Nature-based design studio
Nature-based design studio working globally with cities, nature, places, and people. SLA believe in a distinctly interdisciplinary approach to making livable and sustainable places. By combining anthropological knowledge and biological research with award-winning design expertise and high ambitions, SLA create balanced and complete cities where buildings, public space, social life, mobility, and green-blue infrastructure combined create the best possible places to live.

Public partners

We are closely collaborating with the Strategic Sector Cooperation between City of Tshwane and City of Aarhus on water-resilient cities.