During the research in Berlin I would like to follow on the survey" Spirit of Place" of UNESCO sites which is my student project in the framework of my doctoral studies at the Philosophical Faculty of Charles University in Prague.
Detailed description of the project: Spirit of Place
This project is inspired by the conception of genius loci in accordance to Christian Norberg-Schulz (Norwegian architect, architectural historian and theorist):
''Genius loci is a roman term. According to the conviction of the Old Romans any 'independent' being possesses his own genius, such a protective spirit. This spirit revives people and places accompanies them from birth to death and destines their character and disposition (Schulz, Genius loci, 1994)."
The origination of genius loci in cities
The Spirit of Place in cities is something more than we can see on the first view (it´s not only an account of streets, electric lights, trams, telephone boxes, buildings etc.), but behind the view is hidden a message about the society and people who live there.
Places are linked with humans through belief, ritual, magic and religion. Any place present and outward, reflects human and inward, and is a projection of human subjectivity and everyday life.
The importance of genius loci
Spirit of Place is important because of the variety – different content, use, messages in every place.
Variety and meaningful places hence may enlarge well-being and satisfaction with life.
Genius loci of UNESCO sites
Genius loci of UNESCO sites in the world helps people to be intensely aware of their cultural identity and national heritage, and to become proud of it. It also helps develop their sensitivity to the environment by which they are surrounded.
Research
The research for Spirit of Place of UNESCO sites is a qualitative project research based on the method of visual sociology called auto-photography (described by the Polish sociologist Piotr Sztompka). Within this method respondents take a concrete amount of photos related to a theme according to their personal perception and interpretation. The research is usually combined with questionnaires.
The main aim of this project is to find out how the Spirit of Place is perceived and interpreted by people from different parts of world and with different cultural backgrounds.
My project in Berlin consists of two parts:
Part A)
In Berlin I would like to use also the method of visual sociology. I plan to research space around mostly visited historical sites how is it used by people with different cultural backgrounds and how these people interact there between themselves and if it helps them to create positive connections. I plan to take photos and then analyse the collected material.
Part B)
As Berlin is the city with developed alternative artistic scene I plan also research this scene – street art- and how does it reflect multiculturalism in that city.
Additional information
Examples from research:
(Flavien)
Questionnaire:
Personal information:
Sex: male
Age: 22
Nationality: French
Occupation: Student of History
Name of chosen UNESCO site, city, country: Klementinum, Prague, Czech Republic
Date of research: 20/11/2008
Comment on chosen photograph:
I am interested in this picture of Klementinum, because it represents the cultural sides of the place. Klementinum is a national library and in this place are many artworks, temporary or permanent. The building is massive and large but in these walls full of history is hidden a delicacy of culture and knowledge.
(Andrew)
Questionnaire:
Personal information:
Sex: male
Age: 30
Nationality: American
Occupation: Teacher and Journalist
Name of chosen UNESCO site, city, country: Prague Castle, Prague, Czech Republic
Date of research: 20/11/2008
Comment on chosen photograph:
"Standing in Line at Zlata Ulicka"
Zlata Ulicka is without a doubt one of the most famous (and charming!) features of Prazsky hrad! As such it is also very popular with the tourists. Back when I visited Prague for the very first time in 1998, access to the alley was still free of charge and one could also see the little cute houses in full detail. As with all things related to mass tourism, that changed over time, and now there is normally a price of admission to be paid for entrance. The image of all the tourists properly lining up to show their tickets to the policeman standing next to the iconic and also very touristic little guard-house, is quite representative of the general transition that Prague and Prague Castle have made as tourist destinations. While Zlata Ulicka certainly is worth a few Crowns and hence the price of admission, and maintaining and preserving Prague Castle costs a lot of money, there still seems something ideologically wrong with placing a price on the alley. The picture shows how Prague Castle has become both a place of culture and commerce.
(František)
Questionnaire:
Personal information:
Sex: male
Age: 27
Nationality: Czech
Occupation: Student of Music
Name of chosen UNESCO site, city, country: Charles bridge, Prague, Czech Republic
Date of research: 20/12/2008
Comment on chosen photograph:
The spirit of place of Charles Bridge appears in three different plains and all these plains are caught in this photo: 1) river, blocks against the ice, birds, 2) construction of Charles bridge and it´s characteristic shape, arches, patterns of stones, protective pillars against the ice, 3) people, who do something on the bridge - unfortunately usually they are caricaturists or marketeers who want to earn as much as possible from tourism. There are also a lot of beautiful details: paving, sculpture, lamps.
(Tadeuš)
Questionnaire:
Personal information:
Sex: male
Age: 29
Nationality: Czech
Occupation: Student / Teacher
Name of chosen UNESCO site, city, country: Klementinum, Prague, Czech Republic
Date of research: 15/11/2008
Comment on chosen photograph:
The office in the vestibule is a famous place for all university students in Prague. Students from different disciplines meet here. It´s a suitable place for searching in the library funds, having a short rest or getting to know other people. I usually meet here a lot of my colleagues or peers. Students and Klementinum for many years have belonged together. In the atmosphere of old Jesuit wisdom, this hall always appeals more as office. Its appeal is like old and yellowed civil architecture from the early 20th century. I like this place because of that. It breathes on me a dream about a period when any free research and creation will be available for everybody because of a prevailing free time, when this place will be perceived as reader´s place, and when people can freely decide where they want to read a book. During any pause they will be able to share with others their love and passion for books.
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