Redefining home. A documentary exploration of the feeling of home

Abstract

Home – a topic that resonates with almost everyone at some point, and one that has always been a unifying force. Exploring the concept of home from various perspectives makes it more comprehensible and, ideally, fosters a more empathetic approach to one another. Home holds great significance, playing a vital role in our everyday lives and our overall well-being. However, the understanding of one’s own relationship with and to home is as unique as the individuals themselves. This master’s thesis endeavours to grasp the individual notions of home, tries to redefine it, and presents it in a different light, particularly from a perspective where individuals are not afforded the freedom to choose their living and life circumstances. The driving research question becomes: “How can the personal understanding of ‘home’ be redefined and visually communicated through a participatory process, when the housing and living conditions were not entirely self-determined?” To address this query, in-depth interviews were conducted with five individuals, acting as key participants. Additionally, through a collaborative and participatory approach, visual motifs were carefully selected within their respective homes, extensively discussed, and captured in a documentary way through the lens of a camera. The culmination of the audio interviews and intimate photographs converged to form a final video. The outcome of the project shows that this intensive collaboration in the participatory process significantly influences the final product. The lack of full autonomy in decision-making regarding their housing and living situation becomes apparent and permeates the final product with increased visibility, audibility, and tangibility. The participants’ stories and experiences show the complexity and impact of constrained living circumstances on their understanding of home. Given that a complete redefinition of the individual’s understanding of home could not be achieved within the scope of this study, it is in need of more extensive exploration. Nonetheless, this personal and intense experience has laid the foundation for further discoveries, inviting further research and dialogue on the multifaceted nature of home and the lived experiences of those affected by housing constraints. The thesis is motivated by the intention to address supposedly unimportant issues and to focus on individual feelings, sentiments, and sensitivities. It deals with aspects of identity, belonging, personal misfortunes, successes, and challenges. As we continue to delve into the diverse perspectives on home, we expand our empathy and understanding, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate society. By giving voice to those whose stories have often been overlooked, this research strives to bridge the gap between personal experiences and broader social narratives, prompting reflection and action towards creating a world where everyone can truly feel at home.