Pad (Dec 2019)
Places in Lieu. Mediterranean Sedentary and Nomadic Living Spaces
Abstract
The Mediterranean landscape represents an interface between two different shores, a skin dividing an inner from an outer space, a fullness from a void, which are generated by two symbolic ways of living and construction of space: the space of staying that is sedentary, solid, full and the space of going that is nomadic, fluid, void (Careri, 2006). This research proposes a reflection on how the territory’s surface is invested with meanings, playing the role of link between different languages and means of identity construction (Dal Buono & Scodeller, 2016), thus offering a double overview. On the one hand, on how the nomadic transhumance of several populations affects the creation of a new Mediterranean landscape and on new forms of living the individual and common spaces, which generate a different aesthetics and a new way of experiencing the city time. An unpredictable aesthetics that in some places become void, as in the abandoned and depopulated Mediterranean areas, while in others it gets full of new migrants thanks to resettlement measures. The void left by the old inhabitants, abandoned spaces waiting to be repopulated, residues devoid of an apparent function that get new meaning and become shelters for diversity (Clément, 2005): for plants, as well as for allochthonous people that driven by force majeure, move from one garden to another, generating a reborn and an increase in the biodiversity hotspots (Clément, 2011). On the other hand, we wish to investigate the role of design in its various facets, methodologies and contemporary tools as a means to foster the relationship between landscape and citizenship, to let them achieve its own identity representation and fill the socio-cultural void of the territory. The project’s practice can be a tool to trigger policies of self-determination of the imaginary, allowing those who live in the territory to be involved in making their own story, according to a sense of belonging when they make a representation of their community (Colafranceschi, 2015). Focusing on design actions and multiple case studies – such as urban regeneration labs, social cooking, social engaged art and participatory interaction practices through digital media – which have been able to generate and encourage relationships between different cultural, identity and aesthetic aspects of the Mediterranean area, sparking short and long term moments of contemplation, sharing and discussion.
