This thesis investigates the emergence of urban phenomena through a rhythmic articulation of dynamic forms in neighbourhoods of the periphery of Rome. It explores how we can engage with the dynamic of intertwined urban forms, despite only seeing them in particular perspectives. The argument is based on a radical reformulation of our thought on visuality, de-centring perception from the human subject into the phenomenal field, following the phenomenology of the philosopher Maurice Merleau-Ponty. As a ‘thing’ among ‘things’ we participate in the emergence of urban phenomena, and this participation cannot be reduced to a binary, positive or reciprocal relation of seeing and being seen, but includes invisibility. Drawing on the rhythmic theories of the poet Friedrich Hölderlin, these participations repeat themselves on different levels of an eccentric path and in such a way trace themselves. This opens up a ‘thing’-Umwelt relation (in an Uexküllian sense) that shapes dynamic form, not as another whole in which the ‘thing’ would be alienated but as an articulation of variations. Starting off with a discussion on urban “collective-form” referring to the architect Fumihiko Maki, an aesthetic investigation on neighbourhoods in the periphery of Rome provides possible approaches to what I have named collective rhythmic grouping in urban research. The thesis is an experiment that challenges the limits of reflective thought on urban dynamic forms through an aesthetic reflection that refers to philosophical aspects but is essentially grounded in my own practice as urban researcher. The rhythmic approach aims to contribute to engaging with urban phenomena as ‘built’ collectively of all ‘things’, while this very participation reclaims an Umwelt of human ethical responsibility.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:745097 |
| Date | January 2018 |
| Creators | Pape, Timothy |
| Publisher | Goldsmiths College (University of London) |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://research.gold.ac.uk/23328/ |
Page generated in 0.0015 seconds