SHAME-LESS GENOA (part 3/3) by Lorenzo La Magna Zimmermann

STUDIO 3 PRAXXIS

LORENZO LA MAGNA ZIMMERMANN

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 5 7 9

GLOSSARY BIBLIOGRAPHY STUDIO ROADMAP RESEARCH QUESTION and PROJECT AIM

CHAPTER ONE 13 15 17 19

two evident issues: ITALY AND LGBTQ+ RIGHTS and GENOVA CENTRO STORICO a solution for both: QUEER EXODUS PLAN Genova Gaybourhood the transition

CHAPTER TWO 23 25 27 29

35 37 39

THE GAYEST OF WAYS TO TELL A GAY STORY

Grindr a virtual journey UK JUST VISTING : UK JUST VISTING :

CHAPTER THREE 33

A VERY QUEER PROJECT

THE GRINDR PROFILE OF THE MAIN CHARACTER HIS GRINDR CHAT HISTORY

THROUGH THE GAYBOURHOOD

GRINDR CONVERSATION 1

Genova Gaybourhood

queer businesses Via dei Giustiniani Via dei Giustiniani 11R - Via dei Giustiniani 19 1

CHAPTER FOUR

DOES THE POPE KNOW?

Does the Pope Know? the bigger picture

GRINDR CONVERSATION 2

Does the Pope Know? Santa Maria in Passione: PROPOSED GROUND FLOOR PLAN ‘Does the Pope Know?’ entrance section through the night

the drag balcony Santa Maria in Passione: PROPOSED FLOOR PLAN +8.0 m the drag balcony from a convent to a drag show

GRINDR CONVERSATION 3

the glory hole cubicles the glory hole restroom restroom cleaning schedule

GRINDR CONVERSATION 9

51 53

59 61

87 89

101

the statues terrace GRINDR CONVERSATION 10 the phallic tower Santa Maria in Passione: PROPOSED FLOOR PLAN +12.6 m the statues terrace the ejaculating bell tower

103

GRINDR CONVERSATION 11

95 97 99

GRINDR CONVERSATION 4

GRINDR CONVERSATION 5

the dark rooms dark rooms cleaning schedule

the garden of willes the garden of willes the pride runways

GRINDR CONVERSATION 7

71 73

79 81 83 2

the dark room the temptation room

GRINDR CONVERSATION 6

the urinals balcony Santa Maria in Passione: PROPOSED FLOOR PLAN +3.2 m the urinals balcony urinals cleaning schedule

GRINDR CONVERSATION 8

105 107 109

the staircase of overlooking the staircase of overlooking in between the ruins the bigger picture

GLOSSARY CISGENDER

NON-CONFORMING

adjective an individual whose gender identity and behaviour matches the sex they were assign at birth.

adjective to describe an individual who does not conform with the gender norms that are expected of them.

GAYBOURHOOD

LGBTQ+

noun an area which presents a cluster of LGBTQ+ institutions, both commercial and service-orientated, as well as it houses a substantial residential queer population. “this clustering structures not only a community but an identity” (Miller, 2005)

GAYTRIFICATION

noun the material and conceptual changes of a specific neighbourhood due to the commercial, residential and symbolic presence of the LGBTQ+ community.

GENDER

noun the physical and or social condition of being either male or female. noun a radically free performance of an identity.

HETERONORMATIVITY

initialism lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, ‘+’ as an open category.

QUEER

noun synonym of gay, especially referring to a homosexual man. adjective whatever is at odds with the normal, the legitimate, and the dominant. noun individual whose sexual identity and embodiment is considered non-normative, as a wide reaching term to encompass all differences.

SHAME noun the trauma, caused by the exposure to overwhelming shame at an ages when you are not equipped to cope with, is a core element of homosexuality.

noun the belief of considering heterosexuality as the only normal and natural expression of sexuality.

it is something about growing up gay that forced us to learn how to hide ugly realities behind a finely crafted façade. (Downs, 2012)

NON-BINARY

TRANSGENDER

adjective to describe an individual who is feeling neither male nor female.

adjective an umbrella term for when someone’s gender Identity does not match the sex, they are given at birth. 3

TRANSLATION OF ITALIAN WORDS BELLO

male

referring to a guy: beautiful

BELLISSIMO

male

referring to a guy: very beautiful

CENTRO STORICO

male

the historic city center

CHIESA

female

the Church

CITTÀ

female

the city

DISTRETTO

male

the district

GENOVA

female

Genoa

LIGURIA

female

a region of north-western Italy

l’

OMOFOBIA

female

homophobia

VIA

female

the street / road each word is associated with a specific gender due to the strict binary distinction which is embedded within the Italian language.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

ARTICLES Brown, M. (2013) ‘Gender and sexuality II: There goes the gayborhood?’ in Progress in Human Geography, 38(3), pp. 457465.

BOOKS Ahmed, S. (2006) Queer Phenomenology: Orientations, Objects, Others, London: Duke University Press. Betsky, A. (1997) Queer Space: Architecture and Same Sex Desire, New York: Morrow. Butler, J. (1990) Gender trouble: feminism and the subversion of identity, London: Routledge. Doan, P. L. (ed) (2015) Planning and LGBTQ Communities, The need of inclusive queer space, New York: Routoledge. Evans, J. (ed) (2014) Queer Cities, queer culture: Europe since 1945, New York: Bloomsburye. Grosz, E. (1995) Space, time and perversion: essays on the politics of bodies, London: Routledge. Kates, S (1998) Twenty million new customers!: understanding gay men’s consumer behavior, New York: Haworth Press. Sanders, J. (1996) Stud: architectures of masculinity, New York: Princeton Architectural Press. Sender, K. (2005) Business, not politics: the making of the gay market, New York: Columbia University Press. Todd, M. (2018) Straight Jacket: Overcoming Society’s Legacy of Gay Shame, London: Routledge. Waitt, G., Markwell (2006) Gay Tourism: culture and context, New York: Haworth Hospitality Press. Williams, R. (2013) Sex and buildings: modern architecture and the sexual revolution, London: Reaktion.

Choquette, E. (2018) ‘Queering Architecture: (Un)making Places.’ in The Site Magazine. [Online] [Accessed on 30th September 2020] Costa, P., Pires, P. (2019) ‘Between “ghettos”, “safe spaces” and “gaytrification” ‘in Cidades. [Online] [Accessed on 15th Octoberr 2020] Di Fabio, C. (2010) ‘I portali romanici della cattedrale di Genova, Contributo alla storia del duomo nel XII Secolo’ in Beni Culturali, pp. 89-122. Doan, P. L., Higgins, H. (2011) ‘The Demise of Queer Space? Resurgent Gentrification and the Assimilation of LGBT Neighborhoods’ in Journal of Planning Education and Research, 31(6). Galloway, L. (2001) ‘The experiences of male gay business owners in the UK’ in International Small Business Journal, 30(8), pp. 890–906. Gavroche, J. (2016) “Struggles for Space: Queering Straight Space: Thinking Towards a Queer Architecture” in Autonomies, 3rd October. [Online] [Accessed on 30th September 2020] Keates, C. (2020) ”After the Gay Bar, The Uncertain Future of Queer Space” in Failed Architecture [Online] [Accessed on 28th April 2021] Kvedar, J. (2020) “Back to the grind: rethinking Grindr’s accountability for user content” in Southern California Interdisciplinary Law Journal. Lewis, N. M. (20123) ‘Ottawa’s Le/The Village: Creating a gaybourhood amidst the ‘death of the village’ in Geoforum, 49, pp. 233–242. Lorusso, S. (2002) ‘Il restauro architettonico: le diverse concezioni nel corso dei secoli’ in Quaderni di Scienza della Conservazione, pp. 56-83. 5

Miller, V. (2005) ‘Intertextuality, the referential illusion and the production of a gay ghetto’ in Cultural Geog raphy, 6(1), pp. 61-79. Rocca, M. (2015) Cura, tutela e salvaguardia di un sito archeologico a Genova. La “Libera Collina di Castello” un progetto partecipato, Università degli Studi di Genova. Ruting, B. (2008) ‘Economic Transformations of Gay Urban Spaces: revisiting Collins’ evolutionary gay dist rict model’ in Australian Geographer, 39(3), pp. 259-269. Sibalis, M. (2004) ‘Urban Space and Homosexuality: The Example of the Marais, Paris Gay Ghetto’ in Urban Studies, 41(9), pp. 1739-1758. Turban, J. (2018) “We need to talk about how Grindr is affecting gay men’s mental health” in Vox [Online] [Accessed on 20th February 2021]

ILGA EUROPE (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020) ANNUAL REPORT OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION OF LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANS AND INTERSEX PEOPLE IN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA. [Online] [Accessed on 15th September 2020] ISTAT (2011) La Popolazione Omosessulale nella Società Italiana. [Online] [Accessed on 5th November 2020] OECD SOCIAL INDICATORS (2018, 2019) Society at a Glance. [Online] [Accessed on 5th November 2020]

WEBPAGES Attraversi Multipli (2017) Libera Collina di Castello [Online] [Accessed on 17th January 2021] http://www.attraversamentimultipli.it/2017genova/libera-collina-di-castello/#!

Biennale di Venezia (2018) Cruising Pavillion [Online] [Accessed on 6th December 2020]

REPORTS Fondazione Filippo Caracciolo (2005) Centro Storico: MuseoGhetto o motore di sviluppo? [Online] [Accessed on 8th October 2020] Camera di Commercio di Genova (2015) Centri Intergrati di Via (CIV), Roma [Online] [Accessed on 15th October 2020] COMUNE DI GENOVA Unità Organizzativa Statistica (n.d.) I Numeri del Porto di Genova. [Online] [Accessed on 15th October 2020] COMUNE DI GENOVA Notiziario Statistico (2017) Andamento della popolazione. [Online] [Accessed on 30th September 2020] European Commission (2018) Discrimination in the European Union [Online] [Accessed on 30th September 2020] INDAGINE EURISPES (2020) Temi Etnici: l’Opinione degli Italiani. [Online] [Accessed on 15th September 2020] 6

https://cruisingpavilion.com/e

Comune di Genova (n.d.) Osservatorio CIVS [Online] [Accessed on 6th October 2020] http://civis.comune.genova.it/cd/civis_web_ing_file/v3_document.htm

Forbo (n.d.) Marmoleum Floorig System [Online] [Accessed on 26th February 2021] https://www.forbo.com/flooring/en-uk/commercial-products/marmoleum/c0aq3g

Genova Che Osa, Centro Studi (n.d.) Abitanti [Online] [Accessed on 5th November 2020] https://www.genovacheosa.org/prossimagenova_gli_abitanti

Kyeas, C. (n.d.) After the Gay Bar, The Uncertain Future of Queer Space [Online] [Accessed on 5th November 2020] https://failedarchitecture.com/after-the-gay-bar-the-uncertain-future-of-queer-space/

UCL (2015) Urban Pamphleteer n. 7 [Online] [Accessed on 23th October 2020] http://urbanpamphleteer.org/lgbtq-night-time-spaces-past-present-future

UNISTAT (n.d.) Mappe, analisi e statistiche sulla popolazione residente [Online] [Accessed on 3th October 2020] https://ugeo.urbistat.com/AdminStat/it/it/demografia/dati-sintesi/genova/10025/4

STUDIO ROADMAP the black background was really beneficial to my communication strategy even though I was not sure at the beginning

each thesis project is unique and it has been developed differently according to its own priorities. to stressfully compare my queer project with others.

this newly found confidence to be freely me. to be transparent and bold on what I like and what I want for my future as an architect.

how to use rendering softwares to produce shiny visuals to properly communicate my project. be confident about your own work!!!

UNLEARN

LEARN

RELEARN

REFLECT

EVALUATE

be proud of your own work!!! this thesis project, due to its unapologetic nature, will always be a starting point for conversations.

my family’s fear that my queer project will leave me unemployed, forever! going from trying not be sorry or afraid to being proud of my thesis project. still a work in progress... and the ‘pretty pictures’ that I planned on showing them turned out to be very explicit, so I guess at this point I just have to find an architectural job and prove them wrong!

going beyond the digital networks used by the LGBTQ+ community.

being purposely bold on issues, which are still controversial, will lead to a different set of reactions. people are afraid of what they don’t know, therefore, in the best of scenarios be ready to answer questions. 7

BEING PERSONAL and POLITICAL this whole thesis project has been driven by my explicit intent of being personal and political. doing something so relevant to who I am and being able to express this powerful political message within the academic environment is certainly the best way of concluding my academic journey. I can not thank PraXXis enough to have given me the confidence and the strength to do this.

BEING PROPOSITIONAL my proposition of subverting an Italian historic city center into a Gaybourhood and transforming one of its abandoned churches into an unapologetic queer nightclub, helped me expose the homophobia which is still so embedded within the Italian society. being bold is an excuse to provoke a reaction to start a series of converstions about something bigger than this queer project.

BEING FEMINIST and INTERSECTIONAL my thesis project is deeply feminist by its own nature. it questions the principles and the structure of the Italian society, and it conceptualises an unapologetic queer path which could be followed. this subversive scenario, by excluding the majority, would lead to a feeling of acceptance which will benefit all, regardless of sex, gender or sexual expression.

you should see just a simple frame, but it is so much more. it is an appropriation and a subtle misuse.

RESEARCH QUESTION

look closely to recognise what is hidden in plain sight.

how could the Italian institutionalised homophobia subvert the future of the decaying Genoa City Center?

in a

li t po

ic al

co n

text

in a pe r so n

al n co t tex

PROJECT AIM

RESEARCH QUESTION 10

can only the Gays save Genova City Center from its unceasing urban and economic decline? this very political, yet personal, project seeks to imagine a different future for the Genova Historic City Center. within this specific urban area, by creating ‘ad-oc’ policies for the LGBTQ+ community, this minority would then thrive. by designing the empty commercial premises that the queer community would transform to create a newly establish Gaybourhood, I aim to expose the embedded homophobia which is still so prominent within the Italian society.

STUDIO 1 PRAXXIS

chapter one

A VERY QUEER PROJECT chapter one LORENZO LA MAGNA ZIMMERMANN

two evident issues

stil is I t al y at

looking at Europe as a whole, it is clear how Italy seems to be ‘politically’ closer to many ‘Eastern European’ countries. therefore, this highlights how a country leading the world in culture, history and design can fall short on basic human rights over a homophobic mindset.

ies u n tr Easter n European co

s r ie t n ou c an ope r u E Western

nowadays, Italy is still the only ‘Western European’ country lacking many fundamental legislations which would protect its LGBTQ+ citizens.

ITA LY

this theoretical research project started by looking back at my childhood in Italy. Growing up as a gay kid in a stereotypically heteronoramtive environment made me question how deeply institutionalised homophobia is within the Italian society.

lm iss ing ?

ITALY and LGBTQ+ rights

constitutional ban same-sex marriage

proposed

same-sex couple recognition

proposed

joint adoption

proposed

step-child adoption

proposed

law against homophobic hate crime

proposed

anti discrimination law homosexual to serve the military

only in certain areas

ITALY, on LGBTQ+ ISSUES, IS FAR BELOW THE EU AVERAGE

banned

analysis conduced by ‘Ilga Europe’: Annual Review 2020 ‘OECD social indicators’: Society at a Glance 2019

GENOVA CENTRO STORICO a dramatic reality of urban and economic decay characterises the historic city center of Genova. in order to quantify how ‘empty’ this neighbour is, I have mapped the vacancies of commercial businesses located at ground floor level.

active businesses

407

vacant businesses

864

total businesses

GENOVA CENTRO STORICO

this is a clear demonstration of how neither the local nor the nationwide ‘regeneration strategies’ have been successful within this precious urban environment.

457

vacant business

47% COMMERCIAL GROUND FLOOR BUSINESSES ARE CLOSED!

active business

1:2500 vacant commercial premises 14

100 m

a solution for both

€

QUEER EXODUS PLAN

QUEER EXODUS BUSINESS PLAN

considering that homophobia is so embedded within Italy’s political and societal system, a new form of discrimination does not sounds too surreal. this theoretical plan would eventually bring Genova Centro Storico up to 30.000 new residents, which will therefore just substitute the recent population loss.

PART 1

divided into 3 parts:

NON-COMPULSORY the Italian Central Government will apply this specific QUEER EXEDUS policy to face these two issues simultaneously.

economic incentive PART 2 housing incentive PART 3 living incentive

GENOVA CENTRO STORICO Italy aims to solve, once for all, the urban and economic decay of Genova City Center.

2 different ISSUES faced together

INSTITUTIONALISED HOMOPHOBIA Italy still considers the LGBTQ+ population as a threat to its conservative values.

NON-COMPUSLORY SEGREGATION POLICY

aiming to

INCENTIVE THE EXODUS OF LGBTQ+ PEOPLE the Italian Central Government will provide incentive to its queer population to move into the decaying Genova Centro Storico.

GAYTRIFICATION PROCESS Centro Storico Genova

this non-compulsory segregation policy will revitalise the abandoned historic district through the process of Gaytrification. STAGE 1 pre-conditions urban area in decline: location of sexual and legal liminal activities and behaviour

fast-forward

the development of urban gaybourhoods is usually spontaneus and caused by the presence of an active LGBTQ+ community, but this process could potentially be accelerated due to a direct intervention of municipal administration.

STAGE 2 my vision for Genova Centro Storico, due to the direct action of the ‘Queer Exodus Plan’, will set this newly established Gaybourhood in between stage 2 and stage 3 of the Gaytrification process.

emergence clustering of gay male social and recreational opportunities fast-forward

when LGBTQ+ businesses and residents have settled down, but where there is still potential for change. MY THESIS PROJECT

Genova Gaybourhood

vacant business

active business

STAGE 3 expansion and diversification widening gay enterprise service-sector base

queer business at this stage, queer businesses will be inserted where existing vacant premises can be found. moreover, since ‘stage 3’ has not been reached yet, some establishments will still be empty, waiting to be converted.

STAGE 4 integration assimilation into the fashionable mainstream

CONCEPT SCALE

DESIGN SCALE

the design of this specific site is the main focus of my thesis project.

Via Dei Giustiniani 11R

the complex set of relations between the chosen areas and their proximities was fundamental to understanding which queer business would best fit each space.

Via Dei Giustiniani 19

a methodical analysis of each site has been carried out in order to better understand each area of intervention.

Santa Maria in Passione

within the Genova Gaybourhood masterplan, three individual areas have been selected to be brought forward in the design process. due to the complexity of this theoretical thesis project, each site has been appointed with a different design scale.

QUEER COMMUNITY CENTER

by having first hand knowledge and experience of this area, I was able to locate where best these businesses could be implemented.

QUEER LIBRARY & BOOKSHOP

since my thesis project sits in between ‘stage 2’ and ‘stage 3’ of the Gaytrification process, less than half of the premises will be occupied at this point. this would leave a degree of freedom for a potential future which might be different from the one that I have been imagining with this research.

QUEER CLUB

FROM A MASTERPLAN TO 3 AREAS OF INTERVENTION

TECHNICAL SCALE

Genova Gaybourhood

previuosly vacant businesses

457

active businesses

194

queer businesses

213

still vacant businesses

407

864

total businesses

GENOVA GAYBOURHOOD

vacant business queer business

A QUEER URBAN ENVIRONMENT WITHIN A HISTORIC CONTEXT

active business

1:2500 Genova Gaybourhood masterplan 18

100 m

this is not just a mere colour transition,. this is my personal transition into my newly found confidence in expressing and sharing every aspect of my life. I have always shown you the ‘white façade’, which isn’t any less real, it is just one side of the same story. now it is time to unveil the other side...

chapter two

THE GAYEST OF WAYS TO TELL A GAY STORY chapter two

Grindr JUST ANOTHER GAY APP? Grindr, which was first launched in 2009 in Los Angeles, is a location-based social networking and online dating application. with its 3.8 million daily users, Grindr is ,without any doubt, “the largest social networking mobile app for gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people” (Grindr, 2021).

THE NAME

the name embodies the idea of ‘grinding’ people together as a coffee grinder grinds coffee beans. it is also partly a combination of the words ‘Guy’ and ‘Finder.’ THE LOGO

Grindr’s logo, a yellow mask over on a black background, emphasises the anonymity and confidentiality which this dating platform permits to its users.

FRESH FACES

in order not to constantly ‘see’ the same users in your feed, this section shows you the newest users around your area. WHO’S NEARBY

by being a location-based application, the user’s approximate location is used to display all the other nearby users who have been currently using the app. the profiles appearing on your screen are arranged based on thier distance from you, therefore the first ones are always the closest. unlike Tinder, for example, where both the users have to ‘match’ to interact, Grindr permits its users to chat freely with anyone currently online.

YOUR PROFILE

users are not required to display their ages, names, or any photographs in their profiles.

WHAT LIES BEHIND THIS MASK Grindr is designed to make finding sex easy, accessible and right at your fingertips. depending on your location, a handful of half-naked men are usually close by and with a few clicks, there is a possibility of meeting a sexual partner within the hour.

“this contemporary counterpart to cruising has benefits for many of its users” (Keays, 2020) considering its convenience, discretion and comfort. at the same time, it has highlighted the racism, misogyny, ageism and body-shaming present even within the LGBTQ+ community.

it is undeniable how this online platform has already significantly altered social interactions between queers.

users’ profiles often boldly share derogatory declarations :

its effects have been reported to have serious consequences on physical queer spaces which were so relevant to the LGBTQ+ community.

NO ASIANS - NO BLACKS - NO FATTIES NO FEMMES - NO TRANS - MASC4MASC

(Kapp, 2011)

it is undeniable that the primary function of queer venues, as well as for the cruising grounds, has been to facilitate sexual encounters. nowadays, these virtual spaces have provided the same service with an additional degree of anonymity and discretion which has “rendered bricks-and-mortar community venues unnecessary”. (Lewis, 2013) online interactions, such as on Grindr, have been increasing drastically over the last decade and they have been considered as one of the reasons for the decrease in operating queer venues (Brown, 2007). the physical presence of the LGBTQ+ community in the urban environment is fundamental for the sense of community, solidarity and safety which is now disappearing with its venues (Keays, 2020).

why I am using Grindr to communicate my project? my communication strategy uses Grindr as a paradox. this online platform is a very common way of interaction within the LGBTQ+ community but, at the same time, it is one of the reason why Gaybourhoods, such as the one that I have proposed, are vanishing. by choosing this explicitly gay network, I aim to expose its negative impacts on the queer community, whilst stressing the importance of physical LGBTQ+ venues within the built environment.

a virtual journey ONE DAY IN THE GAYBOURHOOD

my thesis project is based in Italy and my communication strategy, as a series of Grindr chats, is based on a real life scenario. for this reason, in order to ensure that these potential online conversations were in English, the main character has been imagined as a British guy who is currently visiting Genova.

the main character

the other users

the characters

I have decided to communicate my project through the medium of Grindr. therefore, I have imagined a series of online conversations which will unpack and guide the reader through the Genova Gaybourhood.

UK JUST VISITING 25

the medium

by chatting and exchanging pictures with other nearby users, he will lead you on a digital journey through the newly establish queer venues of the Gaybourhood.

STRONG LANGUAGE, NUDITY AND EXPLICIT HOMOSEXUAL CONTENT

Genova Gaybourhood and its queer commercial venues

the spaces

THIS PORTFOLIO CONTAINS CONTENTS THAT SOME VIWERS MAY FIND OFFENSIVE AND DISTURBING.

HOW TO READ THIS DOCIMENT each space will contain this set of pages which will guide the reader though this digital journey.

a Grindr conversation between the main character and another user.

a Grindr key which distinguishes the characters involved in the above Grindr conversation from other nearby users.

the main title

an image as ‘sent’ in the Grindr chat, which shows the space and how it is has been used.

a plan which describes the spaces and locates its users.

an architectural key to understand the different layers of information.

an axonometric drawing which unpacks each space and its materiality.

the feminist technologies which have been used to design this space. 26

an additiona level of detail which is different for each space depening on its relevance within the design.

UK JUST VISITING 25 Online now

Sound lad from the UK visiting Genova for the weekend. Looking for fun, friends nsa, basically any excuse to get drunk and party. Want to get my attention - send pics. Don’t reply to taps. Height

6’1’’

Weight

73 kg

Gender

Man

Looking for

Right Now

Position

Versatile

Tribe

Jock

Pronouns

He/Him/His

HIV Status

HIV-negative 27

UK JUST VISITING THE GRINDR PROFILE OF THE MAIN CHARACTER this online platform allows its users to describe themselves with an ever-growing series of categories. each user has the complete discretion of deciding what information is shared within the network. the option “prefer not to say” is always available and it guarantees total anonymity. for example, these are the options which UK JUST VISITING decided were appropriate to describe himself:

GENDER

LOOKING FOR

POSITION

TRIBE

PRONOUN

HIV STATUS

MAN Man

Chat

Top

Bear

He/Him/His

HIV-negative

Cis Man

Dates

Vers Top

Clean-cut

She/Her/Hers

HIV-negative, on PreP

Trans Man

Friends

Versatile

Daddy

They/Them/Theirs

HIV-positive

Custom Man

Networking

Vers Bottom

Discreet

Custom Pronouns

HIV-positive, Undetectable

Relationship

Bottom

Geek

WOMAN Woman Cis Woman Trans Woman Custom Woman

Right Now

Jock Leather Otter Poz

NON-BINARY

Rugged

Non-Binary Non-Comforming Queer Crossdresser

Trans

Custom Non-binary

Twink

I don’t know

MESSAGES

TAPS

AmbrosiaD

What is your name btw?

Filippo345

Had a good night??

Raffaele

Just now!

26 min

1hr ago

What are you into???

10inchplus

Photo received

GymLad24

1hr ago

2hrs ago

I am in the willy next to the bar. Friend is giving a perfor...

DaddyMarco45

That was fun!

LondonSTR8

3hrs ago

2d ago

Photo received 29

HIS GRINDR CHAT HISTORY this is the chat history of UK JUST VISITING at 5:59 am, and it shows who the main character has been talking to on Grindr while visisting Genova.

Filippo345 AmbrosiaD 6’3’’ Non-binary Vers They/Them/Theirs

Here to make friends, dick pics will be blocked! Please be nice and have a face pic.

5’9’’ 85 kg Man Vers Top Bear HIV-negative

Genova finest Casanova here, feel free to message you will not be disappointed. Call me Bellissimo!

Raffaele 6’1’’ Bottom Twink

If you have to think whether you are good enough to talk to me, you probably aren’t.

10inchplus Discreet

Discreet TOP looking for fun, no time wasters. Don’t respond to taps.

DaddyMarco45 GymLad24 5’8’’ 85 kg Vers Top Jock

Fit guy into sports and gym. Looking for similar. Be aware that we are all the same height when lying down.

5’9’’ 89 kg Man Top Daddy HIV-negative, on PreP

Let me be your Papi for the night. Dom Top here looking for a bottom with daddy issues. Under30 only!

chapter three

THROUGH THE GAYBOURHOOD chapter three

500 metres away Ciao bellissimo. Welcome to Genova Gaybourhood! 11:46 am

Up to much atm? 11:46 am

Hey, just cruising around these narrow streets, gosh it’s a maze here! Just passing by this bookshop. 11:52 am

Genova Gaybourhood

Filippo345

11:52 am

Do you know a good club where to party tonight? 11:52 am

‘Does the Pope know?’ is open tonight. See u there? 1:12 pm

Say something...

‘‘

queer businesses queer businesses play an essential role in sustaining the LGBTQ+ community. for this reason, the vision for Genova as a Gaybourhood started with this business-oriented masterplan. the QUEER EXODUS PLAN would revitalise the vacant economic premises through the insertion of new businesses useful to the newly established LGBTQ+ population. furthermore, it is relevant to understand which typologies of queer business would be implemented at this specific stage of the gaytrification process. therefore, I have looked back at the ‘pyramid of queer needs’.

what would these queer businesses produce?

A SMALL PART OF A BIGGER PICTURE these new businesses would simply fill up the abandoned historic commercial premises located at street level. these architectural interventions would physically slow down the urban and economic decay which burdens this particular neighbourhood. at the same time, they will produce so much more than a mere physical regeneration. for the LGBTQ+ community these businesses will inevitably signify: VISIBILITY SENSE OF COMMUNITY SENSE OF SELF-EXPRESSION FEELING OF SAFETY pyramid of queer needs STAGE 1 pre-conditions STAGE 2 emergence STAGE 3 expansion and diversification

leisure commercial service orientated

licensed bar/pubs nightclubs cafés restaurants libraries/bookstores gyms saunas travel agencies accessory stores adult/fetish stores escort business community center

my thesis project sits in between ‘stage 2’ and ‘stage 3’, therefore the Genova Gaybourhood materplan will include the business typologies from the previous ‘stage 1’ as well as the ones from ‘stage 2’.

PROJECT EMPTY QUEER ACTIVE

1:2000 Genova Gaybourhood masterplan 36

100 m

local res taura

Via dei Giustiniani A ‘HETEROGENEOUS’ STREET this particular area of the Gaybourhood is located within the newly established Genova Design District. therefore, the queer businesses established here would have to cooperate with this pre-existing attempt to regenerate this particular section of the Centro Storico. these newly established queer businesses will be inserted where vacant sites can be found. since ‘stage 3’ has not been reached yet, this plan indicates premises which still remain vacant and where new queer businesses could be implemented.

femisnist technologies

rant

bazar

queer charity s hop

boutiqu e

textile desi gn shop

resta u

UNITY C ENTER A ND CAF E nt

art gallery

COMM

local

design studio interior

QUEER

TECHNOLOGIES WHICH ARE GENDER EQUITABLE

TECHNOLOGIES WHICH ARE ECONOMICALLY EQUITABLE

TECHNOLOGIES WHICH ARE POLITICALLY EQUITABLE

TECHNOLOGIES WHICH ARE RELEVANT TO REAL PEOPLES LIVES

TECHNOLOGIES WHICH ARE ENVIRONMENTALLY EQUITABLE

TECHNOLOGIES WHICH CHALLENGE PATRIARCHAL & HIERARCHIES

considering the praXXis feminist technologies, these six categories have been utilised to shape an inclusive, safe space for the LGBTQ+ community within this historical urban environment. 37

11:52 am

PROJECT EMPTY

USER CHATTING

QUEER

OTHER USER

ACTIVE

craft shop

sex sh op

politica l associa ti

on queer travel agency

UK JUST VISITING

& rest auran t live m usic v enue

QUEER

LIBRAR Y

queer-own ed

& BOO KSHOP

restaurant

statio

nar y

shop

Online now

print shop

local re staura

1:200 Via dei Giustiniani, Genova 1

10 m

Via dei Giustiniani 11R QUEER COMMUNITY CENTER AND CAFE a conceptual intervention has been carried out to subvert this abandoned premise into an active queer community center able to provide an essential service to the newly established LGBTQ+ community. activity sp ace

private

space

kitchen

ground flo or level

café

dining sp ace

laundry

the underground space of the community center works as ‘safe space’ for the community in order to share, learn and grow from each other.

main ac tivity space

buffer spa ce

main activity space

staff toilets

café sp ace

undergro

und level

main entr ance

store ro om

street level café

buffer zone

the entrance to the community center is a small independent café. this service provides surveillance and passive overlooking to its most vulnerable users. at the same time it works as a visible queer landmark which symbolises a ‘safe space’ for the LGBTQ+ community.

in between the café and the community center a ‘buffer space’ is provided as barrier in between these two functions which coexist within the same environment.

Via dei Giustiniani 19 QUEER LIBRARY & BOOKSHOP a designed intervention has been carried out to subvert this abandoned premise into a queer library and bookshop. in order to respect the original historic architecture, small intervetions have been proposed to transform this space. for this reason, most of the design involves the spacial layout and it’s furnitures. ‘proud’ section the part of the library, which faces directly over the main road, is characterised by an explicit and unapologetic queer atmosphere.

main entrance

it is designed as a space for cruising, where to meet and engage with others. due to its architectural layout. its users are constantly overlooked by others.

‘proud ’ se ction

ction

‘proud ’ se ‘closet’ se

’ sectio n

ction

‘proud

back e ntrance

as a space which respects the user’s own choices and it allows you to explore and inform yourself without being exposed.

toilets

‘closet’ section the second part of the library, which faces the small back alley, is characterised by an anonymous and protected atmosphere. it works as a safe space for the most fragile members of the LGBTQ+ community, for example someone who is not ‘out and proud’ yet.

staff space

ground flo or level

garden

chapter four

DOES THE POPE KNOW? chapter four

DOES THE POPE KNOW?

the Church of Rome’s political and cultural influence on the the Italian society is depriving the LGBTQ+ community of basic human rights.

l ca liti po in a

co n

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pe rso

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DOES THE POPE KNOW? 44

a homonym queer nightclub, part of a wider Gaytrification process, has been designed to save Genova Centro Storico from its unceasing urban and economic decay.

30 metres away

‘Does the Pope know?’ is open tonight. See u there? 1:12 pm

Yeah sounds good to me! Will be fun 2:53 pm

Great! I will see u there @ 12ish? x 2:55 pm

Today

Hey are u around?

‘Does the Pope know?’

Filippo345

12:32 am

12:33 am

Just got here, queuing to get in atm , are you inside? 12:33 am

Yes I am inside, I will meet you by the main bar.

Say something...

‘‘

Santa Maria in Passione UNAPOLOGETICALLY QUEER ARCHITECTURE the ruins of Santa Maria in Passione have been subverted into an unapologetic piece of architecture not scared to be bold and explicit even within its spatial forms.

ra nt

you might come across certain shapes and volumes, and they might represent exactly what you think they are.

da nc e ac

sp e

this visual and conceptual statement would be supported by the ‘safe environment’ created by the Genova Gaybourhood. at the same time, it will be a tangible evidence of the successful re-purpose of these otherwise derelict premises. Santa Maria in Pasione has been transformed into an unapologetic and explicit example of architecture of display, performance and overlooking.

context above projection

existing proposed furnitures users flooring marks floor tiles technical lines above projection

1:200 proposed ground floor plan 1

10 m

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a sp

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r pr

ea ar ivé

d on c se

it ex y ar

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ge sta

o ro up ke ma

e nc

tra en

r ba

ms oo xr se

a re ra oo td ou

o hro at

12:33 pm

USER CHATTING OTHER USER

context above projection

existing proposed furnitures users flooring marks floor tiles technical lines above projection

1:100 ‘Does the Pope know?’ entrance 1

UK JUST VISITING Online now

FILIPPO 345 Online now

the glory hole cubicles

10inchplus

30 metres away

Today

Very horny atm. Looking for discreet fun? 2:04 am

2:13 am

Waiting for my turn, wanna join? 2:13 am

Say something...

‘‘

2:13 am

USER CHATTING OTHER USER

context above projection

existing proposed furnitures users flooring marks floor tiles technical lines above projection

1:100 the glory hole restroom 1

10inchplus Online now

UK JUST VISITING Online now

restroom cleaning schedule A QUEER MATERIAL STRATEGY great importance has been given to the bathroom’s design, which is usually a secondary environment with an utilitarian function. the materials choosen for this space have been selected accordingly to allow the users to ‘safely’ misuse this space. this architectural intervention is the physical manifestation of these four queer principles combined: overlooking, display, misuse and performance of one’s own body.

GLORY HOLE CUBICLES these cubicles are designed to be visually and physically connected. a ‘cut’ in between them which allows the users a potential misuse. the toilets are specular and therefore it limits the privacy, forcing your body to another overlooking experience.

PRIVATE CUBICLE next to the entrance, not yet visible from the mezzanine, designed to respect the user choice not to be exposed.

TECHNOLOGIES WHICH CHALLENGE PATRIARCHAL & HIERARCHIES

TECHNOLOGIES WHICH ARE RELEVANT TO REAL PEOPLES LIVES

TECHNOLOGIES WHICH ARE GENDER EQUITABLE

30 metres away

2:26 am

You look cute. If you are only here for a few days we should have some fun. I am free now! 2:31 am

the dark rooms

DaddyMarco45

Where are u now??? 2:32 am

Going into dark room 3 - come join. 2:32 am

Sounds hot! Anyone fit there? 2:33 am

Just now!

Say something...

‘‘

the temptation room

GymLad24

10 metres away

11:43 pm

Today

2:40 am

Spotted! Just seen you going into #3. Worth joining? 2:40 am

Ahhh as if! 3:21 am

Where are you now? Fancy getting a drink? 3:21 am

I am in the garden with some friends, could do with a drink. 3:25 am

Say something...

‘‘

2:40 am

USER CHATTING OTHER USER

context above projection

existing proposed furnitures users flooring marks floor tiles technical lines above projection

1:100 the dark rooms 1

GymLad24 Online now

DaddyMarco45 Online now

UK JUST VISITING Online now

dark rooms cleaning schedule A QUEER MATERIAL STRATEGY the dark rooms have been considered as a fundamental environment of this queer nightclub. therefore, great attention has been given to its design as well as the two adjacent dance rooms. considering the dark rooms, an accurate material strategy of polished and wipeable materilas has been determined to allow the users to ‘safely’ misuses this space.

THE ROOM OF ENVY this dance room, characterised by its yellow colours, allows the users to peep into the dark rooms due to the design of specific internal windows.

THE DARK ROOMS

THE TEMPTATION ROOM this dance floor, characterised by its blue tint, is the passage in between the club and the sex rooms.

a circular entrance gives access to four separate sex rooms. glory holes and low separating walls allow these environments to work together as well as separately. TECHNOLOGIES WHICH CHALLENGE PATRIARCHAL & HIERARCHIES

TECHNOLOGIES WHICH ARE RELEVANT TO REAL PEOPLES LIVES

TECHNOLOGIES WHICH ARE GENDER EQUITABLE

50 metres away Ahhh as if! 3:21 am

Where are you now? Fancy getting a drink? 3:21 am

I am in the garden with some friends, could do with a drink. 3:25 am

the garden of willies

GymLad24

Yeah, I will come now! Where abouts are you? 3:25 am

3:26 am

I am in the willy next to the bar. Friend is giving a performance, so be quick! 3:26 am

Say something...

‘‘

3:26 am

USER CHATTING OTHER USER

context above projection

existing proposed furnitures users flooring marks floor tiles technical lines above projection

1:100 the garden of willies 1

69 73

UK JUST VISITING Online now

GymLad24 Online now

70 74

the pride runways A QUEER DESIGN the design of the outdoor space is driven by the user’s needs and desires, rather than considering an utilitarian and efficiency driven design.

A PHALLIC PROFILE the polished and rendered volumes clearly stand out from the ruins of the abandoned church. at the same time, with the intention to be bold and unapologetic, this shape represents exactly what you have in mind.

RUNWAY SEATING AREA aligned with the openings, which connect the outdoor area with the interior dance space, three runway sitting areas have been designed. this architectural choice provides the necessary space to let its users ‘perform’ and express their true selves. their colourful appearance gives homage to the ‘pride flag’ and it makes them stand out from the polished and shiny tiles chosen for the rest of the outdoor space.

TECHNOLOGIES WHICH ARE RELEVANT TO REAL PEOPLES LIVES

bar

phallic tower balcony

bar

rooftop terrace

dark rooms

dance space

garden of willies runway seating area

existing stairs

proposed section

openings

existing section

proposed projection

dividers

existing projection

users

1:100 the garden of willes 1

20 metres away

Today

Heyy, how are you? We are very close! 3:50 am

Ciao bello, I am in a club called ‘Does the Pope know?’. 3:51 am

From your location you should be here too!

the urinals balcony

Raffaele

3:51 am

3:59 am

I am just by the urinals waiting for a friend 3:59 am

Cool! I am in the dance room next to you. 3:59 am

What are you into???

Say something...

‘‘

rc ai

context above projection

existing proposed furnitures users flooring marks floor tiles technical lines above projection

1:200 proposed floor plan +3.2 m 1

10 m

ing

e nn

e ac sp

e e

ina

l ba

3:59 am

USER CHATTING OTHER USER

context above projection

existing proposed furnitures users flooring marks floor tiles technical lines above projection

1:100 the urinals balcony 1

UK JUST VISITING Online now

Raffaele Online now

urinals cleaning schedule A QUEER MATERIAL STRATEGY this environment has been designed with a clear intention in mind: to be unapologetically colourful and playful. in contrast to the stereotypical design of a restroom, the chosen colours are used to enhance the space and its architectural forms. at this level, great importance has been given to the urinal, as a central feature of this space.

THE FLOOR PATTERN the colourful paving pattern points the users towards a suggested position.

THE URINALS BALCONY the mezzanine level of the ground floor bathroom focuses exclusively on the urinals. here, a single and ‘open’ urinal is the only element in between the user and the bathroom underneath. as a totalitarian overlooking experience, where your eyes are constantly driven to look at someone else.

THE CONNECTING BRIDGE this architectural devise, designed as an extension of the main staircase, connects the ‘urinals balcony’ to the nightclub main space. TECHNOLOGIES WHICH CHALLENGE PATRIARCHAL & HIERARCHIES

TECHNOLOGIES WHICH ARE RELEVANT TO REAL PEOPLES LIVES

TECHNOLOGIES WHICH ARE GENDER EQUITABLE

the drag balcony

Filippo345

50 metres away

Yes I am inside, I will meet you by the main bar. 12:32 am

Hey, are you still around? You have to see this!!! 4:04 am

4:04 am

Do you know Alexis Mateo? 4:04 am

OMG yes! No idea she was here! I am living. Save me a place please x x 4:05 am

I am at the balcony over looking the stage, hurry! 4:05 am

Say something...

‘‘

rc ai

context above projection

existing proposed furnitures users flooring marks floor tiles technical lines above projection

1:200 proposed floor plan +8.0 m 1

10 m

oo str re

da nc e ac sp e

fto

o ro

rra

lco

ba ce

au e

sp ge

sta

4:04 am

USER CHATTING OTHER USER

context above projection

existing proposed furnitures users flooring marks floor tiles technical lines above projection

1:100 the drag balcony 1

Filippo345 Online now

from a convent to a drag show A QUEER SPATIAL APPROPRIATION the ruins of the convent have been subverted to fit one of the most relevant elements of a queer nightclub. the stage, regularly used for drag performances, fits in between the existing columns and it marks its presence with a strong colour identity.

THE BALCONY above the ‘audience dance space’, this internal balcony, accessible from the rooftop terrace, has been designed to have an optimal view of the stage.

THE AUDIENCE SPACE this dance room is directly connected with the outside space and it provides the environment necessary to enjoy the drag performances whilst dancing amoungst strangers.

THE GOLD STAGE this visible and recognisable element is one of the most important parts of a queer nightclub. its generous volume and bright colour clearly make it stand out within this space.

TECHNOLOGIES WHICH ARE RELEVANT TO REAL PEOPLES LIVES

TECHNOLOGIES WHICH ARE ENVIRONMENTALLY EQUITABLE

phase 0

phase 1

phase 2

phase 3

phase 4

EXISTING STONE AND BRICKS WALL

great attention has been given to the original structure in order to retain and stabilise the stone and brick walls. the additional structures will be self-supporting and will gently surround the existing partitions. to respect and preserve the various layers of history that are embodied by these crumbling walls, a few simple phases would be put in place:

CLEANING

RECONSTRUCTING

BRUSHING

HUMIDIFYING

remove any roots and small plants while assessing the stability of the stone work and remove the ones no longer attached to the main structure.

rebuilding any potential large holes or cuts which would scar the existing stone pattern.

when the mortar is nearly dry, using a hard brush, rub in between the stone work to remove the excessive mortar. using a soft brush, gently brush the wall and its new joints to assess the homogeneity of the mortar.

to conclude, with a damp sponge, humidify the mortar to ensure a homogeneous drying process and to further clean the existing stone work.

10 metres away

4:04 am

Do you know Alexis Mateo? 4:04 am

OMG yes! No idea she was here! I am living. Save me a place please x x

the statues terrace

Filippo345

4:05 am

I am at the balcony over looking the stage, hurry! 4:05 am

4:10 am

I just got to the roof terrace, looks busy 4:10 am

Say something...

‘‘

20 metres away

Hey, welcome to Genova! Sory if my Inglish is bad. 7:17 pm

Today

Hey lovely, sorry for the late reply, had a crazy night at Does the Pope know.

the phallic tower

AmbrosiaD

4:12 am

Oh no way, i am here too. I think every gay in Genova is. 4:12 am

4:12 am

How romantic x 4:15 am

Say something...

‘‘

a rc

i sta

context above projection

existing proposed furnitures users flooring marks floor tiles technical lines above projection

1:200 proposed floor plan +12.6 m 1

10 m

oo str re

e nc da

e ac sp

fto

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c al

ing

ea ar

r ba

to of ro ce

rra

lic

r we to

4:12 am

USER CHATTING

OTHER USER

context above projection

existing proposed furnitures users flooring marks floor tiles technical lines above projection

1:100 the statues terrace 1

K JUST VISITING Online now

AmbrosiaD Online now

100

the ejaculating bell tower A QUEER DESIGN the rooftop terrace above the ruins of the convent has been used as a visual and architectural statement. the newly erected bell tower competes in size and height with the adjacent original bell tower of the church. furthermore, this unapologetic proposition would project a bright light into the Genova night sky to become a true queer landmark.

THE EJACULATING BELL TOWER this unapologetic piece of architecture is the true protagonist of the rooftop terrace and its presence is visible from the surrounding area.

THE PRIDE STAIRWAY these colourful steps, which allow you to reach the top of the terrace, are designed as a seating area to overlook others dancing under ‘the statues dome’.

THE STUATES DOME this outdoor dance floor is covered by a dome which is positioned above 7 human-like statues.

TECHNOLOGIES WHICH CHALLENGE PATRIARCHAL & HIERARCHIES

TECHNOLOGIES WHICH ARE POLITICALLY EQUITABLE

101

THE EJACULATING BELL TOWER

due to the perspective, the bell tower would appear as a simple cylinder when viewed from the adjacent street.

this architectural statement can be fully appreciated once walking up the steps towards the top of the roof terrace.

marmoleum LRV10

THE PRIDE STAIRWAY

solid: 3352 Berlin Red

marmoleum LRV10 solid: 3126 Kyoto

solid: 3251 Lemon Zest

marmoleum LRV23 solid: 3247 Green

marmoleum LRV6

solid: 3218 Deep Ocean

marmoleum LRV12

102

THE STATUES DOME

solid: 3245

these explicit and decorative elements symbolise different types of bodies and human shapes as a symbol for inclusivity and respect to its users.

Progress Pride Flag

marmoleum LRV52

it symbolises the inclusion and progression yet to be emphasised with the LGBTQ+ community.

paying homage to the Talamons, the male Caryatids, these columns are used to emphasise how central the role of the users are within this queer project.

20 metres away

How romantic x 4:15 am

5:57 am

What a song to end on. This place is amazing, never want to leave x

the staircase of overlooking

AmbrosiaD

5:57 am

The party continues at mine, the night does not have to end. 5:58 am

Sweet, I will see you outside. 5:58 am

What is your name btw? 5:59 am

Say something...

‘‘

103

5:57am

USER CHATTING OTHER USER

context above projection

existing proposed furnitures users flooring marks floor tiles technical lines above projection

1:100 the staircase of overlooking 1

105

UK JUST VISITING Online now

Ambrosia Online now

106

existing section existing projection proposed section proposed projection B users openings

dividers

1:100 straircase of overlooking 107

in between the ruins TWO QUEER DETAILS the main dance space is characterised by the staircase of overlooking. this metallic structure sits within the existing walls of the ruins of the Church. it connects each level through suspended bridges (A) and it intersects with the proposed external wall in the form of window seating (B).

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TECHNOLOGIES WHICH ARE ENVIRONMENTALLY EQUITABLE

108

TECHNOLOGIES WHICH ARE RELEVANT TO REAL PEOPLES LIVES

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20 mm