PLACES – SPACES – MAPS.

Orientation and its presuppositions – A study in urban space (thesis) 

 

Urban or artificial environments influence, guide and shape us. The architecture, the atmosphere it creates, constellations, rows of houses, streets and roads. Urban architecture guides us without us even noticing.

In this context I am interested in how we define our reference points in everyday life and whilst traveling. Or in other words, what objects do we have internalized as part of our own map? Do we use shapes, colors, feelings, smells, or just pictures to orient ourselves in public spaces?

I explored these questions along with many others as part of my thesis “Places – Spaces – Maps”. I looked for answers based on interviews and practical exercises with people of different ages and nationalities, to analyze how humans visually and verbally appropriate familiar or unfamiliar urban spaces.

I also carried out extensive research on the history of maps, the philosophies and theories of Michel de Certeau, Jorge Luis Borges, Karin Wenz, to only name a few, which helped me to understand the context.

(original language: German)

 

research / graphic and written survey / interviews / analysis and conclusions / text / pictures / layout design / production / qualification: a
 

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