This research subject explores the concept of roads as dynamic entities with distinct identities, shaped by the imprints of past journeys. Through two condensed road trips along the E75 highway, dual roles are adopted as travelers and explorers, documenting selected locations based on personal observations through notes taken while traversing the highway. The research decodes the perception of roads, emphasizing the loss of ritualistic aspects in contemporary travel experiences.
The narrative delves into the Old National Road, examining its impact on surrounding settlements and questioning the fate of these places after the deviation of the new road. A nostalgia is expressed for road trips, highlighting the practice of driving as a means of exploration and corporal autonomy. The creation of a kilometric archive mapped on memory reinforces the idea of the road as a historical construct.
The conclusion composes the findings, revealing a specific identity for each road. It is argued that roads influence the lives of the places they traverse, serving as arteries for both settlements and individual clusters of life. The exploration process becomes a witness to the transformative power of road imprints, comparing the old and new road and suggesting that roads are spectral constructs. The lack of programmatic and design considerations in redirecting the new road accentuates the critique on prioritizing capitalist interests over a genuine connection to our surroundings.
In essence, the paper advocates for a subjective redefinition of roads through a combination of reflective exploration, storytelling, and the creation of a dual-temporal diary. The road is recognized as a complex entity, challenging easy categorization into its positive or negative attributes. Ultimately, the project calls for a reconsideration of the planning and design of new highways, emphasizing a mindful approach that preserves the connection between roads and the places they traverse.