Das Meer der Zeichen. Zur Lesbarkeit urbaner Räume als kollektive Gedächtnis-Texte

Abstract

Summary. Cities are spaces that are characterized by many different sign-systems which partly overlap; they can be analyzed as complex textures of meanings. Physical space is turned into social and cultural space when different socio-cultural communi­ties structure and mark it. In a layered architecture of collective memories different mili­eus and communities of commemoration coexist. This can be analyzed with semiotic tools, while a generalizing system of “city-semiotics” seems to be neither possible – because of the multiplicity of diverse sign-systems in the urban space – nor necessa­ry for an empirical approach.