An emergent form of life? A vertical suburb in Italy, a liminal glimpse from within

In: Thesis eleven: critical theory and historical sociology, Band 168, Heft 1, S. 88-106

Abstract

This contribution explores a case study of a marginalized suburb in Italy called 'Hotel House' from three angles. First, I look at the historical and physical features of this particular building, which functions as a vertical multicultural neighbourhood. Second, I examine the paradoxical nature of this building type, which is exceedingly rare in Italy and Europe, in relation to (in)visibility and the lack of social and public relationships. Third, the focus shifts to the social relationships that have emerged within the building over the years, together with their ethical and normative import and implications. The discussion in this final section is facilitated by two concepts: 'forms of life' and immanent critique.