Traces and effects of the palindromic nominal form within Laval’s urban and social structures
Introduction
The palindrome, from the Greek palin (again) and dromos (direction), means “that which runs back on itself and retraces its steps.” A palindrome is a stylistic device that designates a word or phrase that can be read from left to right or right to left.
The palindrome is like a two-way street that transmits a single idea that can be endlessly expressed, backwards and forwards. But the palindrome is also a space that cannot easily be escaped; once we reach the end, the reading begins anew and brings us back to the beginning, again and again. The palindrome is thus a dead-end. The palindrome is an island. The palindrome is the perpetual return of the same. The palindrome is what we return to forever. The palindrome is a two-way island.
LAVAL is a palindrome.
Context, theory, project
For some time now, the Marion Lessard collective has been researching palindrome cities and the marks their nominal reversibility have made on the urban fabric. We have found that these marks reveal an essential link between local architecture, traditions, history and geography and the exceptional form of their name. Palindrome cities are a rare phenomenon. It seems essential to us that they should finally be the subject of rigorous study so that their citizens may be informed of any considerable – and hitherto underestimated – effects that this nominal idiosyncrasy may produce on their daily lives.
Over the next few years, our research will take us to Belgium, Scotland, France, Italy, Switzerland, Hungary, England, and Norway, where we will study the cities of Ellemelle, Glenelg, Noyon, Onano, Saas, Aka, Eye, Oo, et Å.
We believe it’s appropriate to start with Laval, Canada.
A series of oral statements in various public and private spaces in the city of Laval will serve to inform the public, throughout the year, of the state of our findings.
The first conference will allow all citizens to familiarize themselves with the issues at issue.
