“Places”: Where Identity Holds In A Moving City
Cities change constantly. But within that motion, some parts hold meaning – buildings, streets, squares, even forgotten corners. These are places – understood broadly to mean anything in the city that holds identity. Places are shaped by history, culture, and daily life. They change, but they already carry meaning and the potential to grow from within.
Places should not be erased or reshaped to match external ideals. They should grow through what already defines them. Our goal is to support that growth by combining tradition with new ideas, so places remain rooted, useful, and meaningful over time.
Places have unique identities
Each place holds a distinct identity shaped by its history, not by comparisons to other places. Identity is not about beauty but about the rich stories and events that formed the place over time.
Places should evolve based on their own potential
Rather than striving for the “beauty” of other places, they should adapt their existing resources to meet the changing needs of their inhabitants. The subjective nature of beauty should not dictate their development.
places are part of a global network
Places should not be confined to regional or historical labels. Instead, they should be valued for their unique qualities and contributions to the global landscape, regardless of past political or cultural divisions. Each place has the potential to transcend these boundaries and offer something distinctive to the world.
New interventions must respect identity
Interventions should highlight a place’s existing character, not overpower it. If identity seems lost or weak, it should be rediscovered, and new futures should be shaped by grounding innovations in local traditions and heritage, ensuring continuity with the place’s past
Diverse identities create rich atmospheres
Places possess multiple, sometimes conflicting identities. These contrasts are what make a place distinctive and should be embraced. By thoughtfully integrating these differences, dynamic and unique environments can be created that celebrate the richness and layering of their history and culture.
places serve inhabitants first, not visitors
places should prioritize the needs of residents, not tourists. Tourism can thrive through the authentic experiences places offer, where visitors immerse in local culture rather than shaping the place to meet external expectations.
This manifesto is not set in stone. It reflects the team’s current viewpoint and, just as it has evolved over the past few years, it may continue to change with new research and insights. We remain open to challenging our own ideas and continuously reexamining what we stand for.