PERFORMANCE. Migrant Imaginaries through Soft Spatialities

Abstract This research documents the encounters of the built fabric with migrant imaginaries. It observes the articulation of social narratives, cultural practices, and everyday rituals within diasporic communities ordered around textiles. Migrant spaces often include »soft« architectures in both the literal construction of their spaces and through the »soft« spatial systems tied to certain micro-transactions and community organizations. The work explores ways of engaging with participatory research methods through the dynamic and performative nature of people, objects, rituals, symbols, and knowledge. The performative practices layered onto this work activate inclusive and ethical forms of enquiring and representing information. The work further develops a repertoire of rituals and events ordered around textiles.