Between Place: An Exploration into the Palimpsestic Spirit of Place

Abstract

This project examines how we, as humans, interact with the world around us, zeroing in on the complex dance between the things we’ve created and the natural environment. At the center of this exploration stands the Ponte Rotto Bridge—an ancient relic that, despite its neglect, symbolizes how far we’ve drifted from both our own creations and nature itself. This gap highlights a trend in society to see both objects and nature simply as tools for our use and manipulation, often revealing a deep disconnection from the greater world. Using the Ponte Rotto Bridge as a starting point, this study explores the larger picture of what this disengagement means, how our growing distance from cultural and natural heritage leads to a fading sense of the value and the rich stories this heritage holds. By weaving together ideas from environmental philosophy, cultural history, and phenomenology, I aim to find ways to rebuild our relationship with our past and the natural environment. I do this by exploring the Ponte Rotto Bridge using a range of methodologies, from photography to charcoal drawing to digital collage to physical creations. This thesis not only brings attention to the overlooked stories of places like the Ponte Rotto but also suggests a new way to see our role in a future where humans live in harmony with our environment and respect our cultural legacy.