IN-PERSON London. Section B

Abstract

This paper investigates and reflects upon the narrative qualities of a series of places and buildings that it is possible to discover and experience during a walk. The aim is to identify and reflect on aspects that can enrich people’s lives.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the poor design of many private and public spaces in our urban environments. However, it has also allowed us to discover (or rediscover) buildings and places that we often take for granted or even do not notice. This research unveils the narrative features of buildings and places located along a route in Huddersfield, a town in West Yorkshire (UK) that represents the case study of this project. The town presents a remarkable variety of buildings and places, all within walking distance. This diversity can have a positive impact on people’s daily lives. The word narrative is here interpreted in a few different ways including meanings attached to and delivered by buildings and places and elements (architectural, urban, natural) that can evoke emotions. The methodology is characterized by a mixed approach that combines aspects of reflective writing, narrative, walking and a case study. The walk will be presented in a narrative form to highlight personal experiences and reflections that cannot be easily captured and communicated by using more conventional research approaches. The relevance of reflective writings and subjective experiences is being highlighted by an increasing number of scholars worldwide. The selected route and its elements have been experienced, documented and appreciated, during different periods, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.