Visual Arts

Social Urban Geography

Human Geography

Vertical segregation in Athens refers to the unequal distribution of social and economic opportunities based on factors such as class and income, resulting in disparities in living conditions and access to resources between different socio-economic strata within the city.

During our immersive seven-week project in Athens, we delved into a comprehensive exploration of pressing urban challenges, encompassing segregation, housing issues and policies, gentrification, social justice, and the refugee crisis.

Our learning journey extended far beyond the confines of traditional classrooms, as we ventured into the heart of the city to engage with locals across diverse neighborhoods.

With the goal of comprehending the topic in a place-based manner, we provided disposable cameras to the community members, inviting them to capture their unique perspectives on the issues at hand. Through these evocative images, we gained valuable insights into the realities faced by the people of Athens. Subsequently, we deepened our understanding through interviews, as we encouraged individuals to candidly share their reactions and personal experiences.

By actively interacting with the local community, we nurtured a genuine connection with the city, allowing us to appreciate the nuances of the challenges it grapples with. This holistic and immersive approach ultimately enriched our project, equipping us with a profound awareness and empathy toward the issues affecting Athens and its residents.

The culminating product of our project on Vertical Segregation in Athens was an impactful and thought-provoking PhotoVoice exhibition. Through this method, we harnessed the power of photography to engage participants from diverse backgrounds, including locals, expatriates, and immigrants.

Equipped with disposable cameras, each participant captured images that they believed epitomized the issues of segregation, with a focus on vertical segregation, as well as instances illustrating the city's progress towards integration and inclusion. After developing the pictures, we invited the participants to reflect on and explore the emotions, experiences, and reasons behind their chosen images, recorded through audio responses.

The PhotoVoice exhibition served as a visual and emotional testament, not only raising awareness about the concept of vertical segregation but also amplifying the voices and perspectives of the community members in Athens, ultimately fostering a greater understanding and dialogue among all participants.