VIRTUAL Barcelona
Abstract
In this study, we investigate methodological possibilities of a combined method, transgenerational walking interviews (“TWIs”) in the context of architectural memory and meaning of place. This exploratory approach aims to determine an adapted protocol as well as to identify the possibilities and limitations of using this methodology and the type of data that can be collected. Walking interviews are considered a well-used method in environmental and place-related studies to gather experiential data related to a particular place, whereas intergenerational interviews are used to reveal the diverse points of view, experiences, and memories of different generations, as well as their interrelations. We combine two methods by conducting TWIs with a senior and their younger acquaintance at a site significant to the elder, followed by separate post-evaluation interviews to gather insights from both participants. Two tests of this original approach were conducted in Wallonia, Belgium, and are discussed as cases throughout the study. Both TWIs unfold at the seniors’ former workplaces: the first one at a still-active small-scale secondary school, and the second one at a former industrial site now being dismantled and turned into a landmark. In our analysis, we focus on investigating the experience of these TWIs for each participant, researchers included. We question the effects of those TWIs on the understanding of the place and the evolution of the relationship between the participants and the place. This research not only enables us to gather place-related experiences and memories for different generations but also offers a valuable methodology applicable to community research and community researchers.
Alice Daminet graduated with a Bachelor’s in Architectural Engineering (2022) and is on track to complete her Master’s (2024) from the University of Liège. Currently, her master thesis explores heritage mining sites, meaning of place, ‘communicative memory,’ and intergenerational transmission of cultural heritage. With a deep interest in understanding how the appropriation of architecture and design impacts well-being, she aspires to pursue a Ph.D. focusing on architecture, design-in-use and care environments.
Çiğdem Yönder received her BA (2012) and MA (2017) in Interior Architecture and Environmental Design from Hacettepe University, Faculty of Fine Arts. After working as a design practitioner for several years in the design and construction industry (2012-2015), she worked as a research assistant at Başkent University, Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design (2015-2020). Currently, she is pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Liège as a researcher of Inter’Act Lab. In her Ph.D., she is studying matters of knowledge in co-design. Her research interests include design theory, the phenomenology of space, and participatory practices in design.
Catherine Elsen is Professor at University of Liège (ULiege – Belgium) where she teaches architectural studios as well as user-centered & participatory methods to students enrolled in the architectural engineering curriculum. She received her PhD in Engineering Sciences in 2011 (ULiege), a Master in Social Sciences in 2009 (CNAM, Paris), and a MS degree in Architecture and Building Engineering in 2007 (ULiege). Her research interests cover design processes (in architecture and industrial design), and more specifically the impact design tools and methods have on specific cognitive processes (participation; integration of end-users’ needs; creativity; cooperation between team members).