Lucia
Barbagallo
︎

Over the past two decades, international travel has become increasingly accessible, largely due to the rise of low-cost flights and last-minute holiday deals. As a result, travelers who once opted for domestic vacations are now exploring warmer and more exotic destinations abroad. While this trend offers new opportunities for adventure, it has also led to the neglect and deterioration of numerous former holiday hotspots. Many once-bustling locations have experienced a dramatic decline in housing prices, leaving entire ecosystems vulnerable to the forces of nature, including storms and hurricanes. The Summer Utopia project is dedicated to exploring these abandoned summer destinations through walking and observation. As I journey through these sites, I am captivated by the stark contrast between their former glory and present decay. My goal is to unravel the utopian ideals and political and economic decisions of the past and to understand how these choices continue to shape the current landscape. Engaging with residents is a vital part of this exploration. By informally interviewing them, I gain valuable insights into the impact of past political investments and broken promises, and how these factors influence their daily lives today. Through these conversations, I hope to shed light on the rich histories that have shaped these communities. While I occasionally encounter uncomfortable interactions, such moments only deepen my resolve to understand the complex narratives at play in these transformed spaces. By documenting these stories, I aim to raise awareness of the changes these areas have undergone, fostering a greater appreciation for their histories and potential futures.

︎Spec - Tech
A3
printed on recycled paper
︎︎︎flexible