Records of connection and separation: forms of territorial transformations

In the context of this project, Jadranska Magistrala has a double meaning. Most directly, it was only in 1965, the year when it has been opened, that the preconditions for the development of a continuously connected and wholly accessible coastal territory were met. This coastal territory had been fragmented due to unstable political, military or economical jurisdictions since the Roman times. On the other hand, Jadranska Magistrala was also a setting stone for the generations of rapid transformative processes. Magistrala has in less than half of a century of its existence irretrievably changed the image and the usage of historical urban nuclei situated previously mostly in intact nature. Surroundings of Magistrala subsequently changed into a continuous linear peri-urban line completely relegated to tourist exploitation. 

By enabling present and intensive processes of privatization together with planned allocation of tourist, industrial and military complexes with the simultaneous growth of the individual, secondary construction, Magistrala is still the main artery of this area.

Unlike usual cartographic and statistics methods of spatial analysis, the starting point of this project is contemporary artistic researches. Several quantitative and artistic tools have been developed in this project for the understanding and representation of this extensive territory. From the beginning of this project in 2014 a research methodology has been gradually developed that has evolved into a hybrid analytical frame that connects the analysis of historical tabular itineraries with linear narrative norms. This frame is used to observe space as the series of arranged sequences of specific points or moments.

By layering of visual and textual sources, the project researches and develops the Linear mapping method as a proven alternative to the dominant paradigm of GIS: Geographical information system. Linear mapping method is based on the delineation of the linear territory along the route in clear segments. Those segments are then divided into specific spatial units according to their position along the route or the distance from it. This allows for the reduction of the space along the road into a fragmented spacial sequence defined via interchangeable framerates that becomes the main reference frame of the spatial data used in the project..

By optimizing the density of used data, elements of individual sections are recombined in new narratives and with new meanings. Spacial units formed in that way become a base of a robust classification and index system which enables the spatialization of different input data and facilitates the diagramatic representation of the totality of heterogeneous elements. Those elements offer a completely fresh way of representing this space.

Layers of specified subjects were joined to the index system and, as a whole, they constitute an extensive database from different sources as a spatial and time matrix which became the base for further research.

The main result of this process is a series of representations of clear, direct information sequences in which it is possible to recognize patterns, interruptions, and separations on the intuitive level. Through that, the base idea of space along the coast is built all over again. This space can be read and felt through rhythm, speed, stoppages, continuities. The core of the space is then separated from cartographical norms, becoming presentable and clear, built up through interchangeable dynamics and elevated on an abstract level through selected records of local transformations or through representations of links and interruptions in individual spatial sequences. 

Authors:

Damir Gamulin and Antun Sevšek, authors and researchers

Bruno Babić, IT support

Melita Čavlović, research associate

This research was initiated through the activites od Platforma 9.81 – association for research in architecture. It has recieved funding from the Kultura nova foundation and the Ministry of culture of Republic of Croatia.

Damir Gamulin and Antun Sevšek either on their own, together or via different collaborations, are concerned with research and shaping through different art media and projects. They are associates in a series of projects of marking systems, product design, exhibition layouts and organizations and interior design of spaces used for cultural purposes. They have been working on the exhibition and publication called Unfinished modernizations in 2012. in Maribor. Between 2013. and 2015., they formed content and exhibition about 20 years of spatial planning in Zadar Municipality alongside with Maroje Mrduljaš. They were also book editors on the subject and they won the Neven Šegvić UHA award. In the same year, they produced visual identity, signal system, and exhibition layout for Memorial collection Lipa pamti. That project was carried out as a rewarded project in 2013. which was also awarded by Croatian Design Society in the category of comprehensive projects in 2016., with Grand award of 52nd Zagreb salon and special recognition of Croatian section of International association of art critiques AICA in 2018.

The exhibition was funded by the Ministry of culture of Republic of Croatia and City of Zagreb.
Work of Miroslav Kraljević Gallery is supported by Kultura Nova fundation, Fundation for arts initiatives and INA d.d.