"Migration has always been the vital essence of Mediterranean cities. New cultures have continued to be included in daily life, and they have fertilised and expressed themselves through complex urban forms with richness and imagination." - Giancarlo De Carlo — Domus Magazine
Project Heracles postcard call for ideas to 'bridge' Africa and Europe was launched by Domus Magazine last spring and later included a Joseph Grima open letter addressed to President of the European Council, calling, in essence, for a timely, courageous, co-operative and equally beneficial unifying effort between the two old continents and perhaps re-imagining a revitalized 'Mediterraneanhood.' These two continents have different scales of contradictions and co-dependencies toward each other, including a long and brutal colonial past, recent human trafficking problems, asymmetrical immigrant labor flow, natural resources for technology based trade and other complex military, political, culture and religion based issues.
Domus Project Heracles continues to publish its postcard entries from worldwide participants. They represent important body of ideas, commentaries and imaginative visual material selected and commented by special jury members. These ideas propose a Eurafrican infrastructural and conceptual bridge connecting the two continents over the straight of Gibraltar.
The wealth of ideas displaying hits and misses, political standoffs, obliviousness and sincerity, skillful image making and exposing still deeper conflicts are addressed in virtual exhibition of the postcards. There are eight sections so far, including one entry by yours truly on section #6.
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"Mr Van Rompuy, it is deplorable that Europe and Africa, two continents linked by innumerable cultural ties and one of the most significant migratory flows ever, are the only ones which, despite their proximity, have remained physically disconnected throughout human history. As you can see from some of the works of architecture published in this issue, the African continent is a place of innovation and experimentation, from which we Europeans can learn. We would therefore like to add our voices to those of Lieven De Cauter and Dieter Lesage in asking you: what are you waiting for to develop a plan for a hospitable entrance and gateway to Europe on the Eurafrican border?" Joseph Grima
Joseph, I agree with your letter almost entirely. But, I would like to add, foremost thing Europeans should learn is not to 'steal' anymore from Africa, maybe the rest of your positivism would then follow.
Sorry to be blunt.
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