Commemoration and the recategorization of public space : Typological transformations in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv

Summary, in English

In this piece, I investigate how material strategies of commemoration takes part in the recategorization of public space. I look especially at how commemorative vehicles such as toponymic signs, public art and architectural design, play a role in the territorialisation of a specific public place by establishing associations to a new spatial type. This can, for example, include the transformation of a public square into a 'memorial square' (Rabin Square), a religious space into a 'space of national significance' (Western Wall Plaza) or a village into a 'archaeological excavation' and a 'tourist theme park' (City of David). Looking at a series of places in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, I investigate the different ways in which memory has been materialised/embodied and subsequently taken part in changing the territorial complexity and publicness of these places. In the end, I conceptualise a few material strategies traced from the cases, discussing how these strategies might to take part in a process of crystallisation, both affecting public life and setting firm directions and rhythms for the future design and life at the places where they have been implemented.

• Author: Mattias Kärrholm
• Department/s: Centre for Advanced Middle Eastern Studies (CMES); MECW: The Middle East in the Contemporary World; LTH Profile Area: Water; Architecture and Culture
• Publishing year: 2023
• Language: English
• Document type: Conference paper: abstract
• Topic: Other Social Sciences not elsewhere specified; Architecture
• Conference name: MEMORY STUDIES ASSOCIATION 7th ANNUAL CONFERENCE
• Conference date: 2023-07-03 - 2023-07-07
• Conference place: Newcastle, United Kingdom
• Status: Published
• Research group: Architecture and Culture