Cultural Centre of the Everyday Life
The regions of East Manchester surrounding the abattoir site vividly illustrate the spatial conditions post-industrial capitalism imposes on the urban realm. Spatial segregation, unification of landscape, universal alienation, inequalities, disinvestment and lack of any public spaces constitute the image of what now represents those former industrial sites. If we want to bring tangible change into the life of the people of Miles Platting and Newton Heath, we need to establish spatial conditions in which this change can happen. This requires a new approach in thinking about architecture, but also about labour, culture, nature and our everyday life.
My site intervention proposes a new vision of understanding our environment. A vision embodying the richness of our surroundings and everyday life. A vision of fascinating urban situations, which encourage men to creatively and socially redefine their life. It is a site of de-alienation. De-alienation from others- by establishing a public sphere based on human reciprocal relations. De-alienation from Labour- by creating a sphere where objects are produced, traded and used. De-alienation from nature- by proposing a vision where culture and nature are inseparable and can coexist. Finally, it is about the de-alienation from everyday life- by creating a dense, lively neighbourhood, where people can rediscover themselves in a newly created public sphere. Although this vision might sound naive, I believe that re-organising our spatial life is critical in bringing tangible change, whether it is in Newton Heat or New Delhi. Transforming our cities into a more life-friendly form is a pre-condition for the change of our lives and what better place to start this, than the birthplace of the industrial societies?
