Sascha Rullkötter

The refusal of the european constitution in several member states has shown that europe has to face up to a debate on its principles. The question of europe’s size and acceptance is still to be answered. Is europe defined as a free trade zone, as an administration union of political and economic interests in reaction to a globalized world, or is it arising from the same ideals, aims and dreams?

The negative referenda demonstrated that the citizens do not feel involved in the european integration. The institutional europe, especially the bureaucratic center in brüssel is not very close to the people. Europe needs a new multidisciplinary platform, giving the inhabitants the chance to look into the subject of the european ideas.

In the suggested “House of Culture” the Europeans have the chance to deal with these questions, they could catch up on the issue and discuss their own moral and ethical similarities.

The selected site for the project is the seaport of Triest in the north of Italy, located on the border between the political “old and new Europe”: Europe has no consistent cultural background, neither in language, nor in religion. Its strength is its heterogeneity.

The project “House of Culture” should encourage the process of the european unification.Designed as an open house, as a meeting point the building could be used for concerts and exhibitions, but also as an information point for individuals, or as a working platform for small groups.
As a “think tank” the project tries to be part of this reflection.

The building itself is not able to reply to the opening question. The project is no assembled definition of the european union.
The House of Culture just defines space for action and reflection, inviting everyone to participate activly and individually in the process of european unification.

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