Thesis: Statement

Current works of architecture and urban design tend to ignore the social and cultural value inherent in the memory of urban spaces. Elements such as perception, experience, the sense of a place, and the memory of the built environment are all neglected. Consequently, places such as landmarks and historic sites throughout the city have become cliché and kitschy, overlooked and then delegated to the realm of tourism. The people, who work and live in the city, are in turn, disassociated from these spaces because they do not engage these sites in their everyday activities. By focusing on one of these detached environments, this thesis will respond to issues of memory, perception and the potential for the human activity of indigenous cultures to inspire new and vibrant relationships within these neglected spaces of the city. A series of installations will be developed that link and connect the tourist aspect of these environments with the everyday activities of the cities inhabitants. These associations will demonstrate how memory and the sense of place can provide the city’s inhabitants with a strong connection to the site.