Memories as Catalysts for Social Change
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Date
2018-08-25
Authors
Reyna, Katya
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Abstract
Memories of displacement, loss, and discrimination are oten present in designed sites. A decline in
memory and story sharing has let these memories lingering on sites, open wounds waiting to be unearthed,
discussed, and healed. These memories are hidden windows to the cultural identity or spirit of
a place, experienced individually and collectively through generations.
This project proposes a new mode of site analysis that recognizes memories of displacement and racial
tension as necessary aspects of understanding the agency of design within community context. This
method challenges current standards in landscape architecture practice by suggesting that we look
beyond the physicality of a site and delve deeper into buried experiences through community and interdisciplinary
partnerships to create more inclusive, honest and just places.
Using Mindy Fullilove’s analysis of root shock and Pierre Nora’s concept of sites of memory as frameworks,
a case study was conducted, examining how projects have implemented memory and story
collection strategies. The case study informed a proposal for a site analysis memory mapping method,
which was piloted at three community gatherings in the Chicago neighborhoods of Pilsen and Little Village.
Both are Mexican immigrant neighborhoods facing rapid gentrification and fragmentation. A current
proposal for a multi-modal trail would connect both neighborhoods. As a first step in community
engagement and design, residents of the two neighborhoods were asked to map their memories - good
and bad - and describe any other sentiments about their community. These were then aggregated into
an analysis map depicting the untold narratives and collective memories of Pilsen and Little Village. The
analysis informed where and how healing strategies could be implemented.
Site analysis and design can reveal histories – even dificult ones- and engage in healing, rather than be
complicit in the denial and erasure of people’s experiences. Strategies like memory mapping, interviewing,
and archival research can move landscape architects beyond traditional site analysis and help
foster community responsive design that nurtures connections with those who have been historically
disenfranchised.
Description
Examining committee chair: Roxi Thoren