In Search of Spirituality in the Places of Urban Decay:  Case Studies in Detroit

Joongsub Kim

doi:10.6092/issn.2036-1602/6291

Autori

Joongsub Kim Lawrence Technological University
PhD, AIA, AICP, Professor at Lawrence Technological University, directs its Detroit Studio (an off-campus, community-based design and outreach facility) and the Master of Urban Design Program. Dr. Kim, a graduate of both MIT and the University of Michigan, focuses on public interest design, and has received numerous honors and grants, including an ACSA/AIAS New Faculty Teaching Award; a Boston Society of Architects National Research Grant; an ACSA Collaborative Practice Award Citation; a Graham Foundation Advanced Studies Grant; an NCARB Integration of Practice and Education National Grant; and an AIA Michigan President’s Award. His work has been published in Urban Design International, Journal of Urban Design, Places, Environment & Behavior, Architectural Record, and Architect.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6092/issn.2036-1602/6291

Parole chiave:

Rovine urbane, Spiritualità, Post-industriale, Catalizzatore, Terapeutico, Riflessivo, Impegnativo

Abstract

Questo articolo esplora la spiritualità nel degrado urbano e suggerisce che la spiritualità dei luoghi nel degrado urbano può essere definita in quattro modi: i luoghi nel degrado urbano possono essere spirituale, perché ispirano le persone a fare cose buone per la comunità (catalizzatore); possono essere spirituali, perché sono consolanti (terapeutico); possono essere spirituali, perché aiutano a connettere gli individui alla loro interiorità (riflessivo); e possono essere spirituali, perché mettono in relazione le persone in modi diversi (impegnativo). La letteratura trascura l’aspetto catalizzatore, pur sostenendo gli altri aspetti. I risultati di questo studio suggeriscono che l’idea di spiritualità in architettura debba essere ampliato nella società post-industriale. L’articolo suggerisce che il ruolo giocato dai luoghi spirituali nel degrado urbano, nel creare luoghi, soprattutto in città contratte come Detroit, meritino ulteriore attenzione degli studiosi.

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