“Folding is an art of seeing something not seen, something not already there. The fold creates a different kind of flow – the flow of an energy that the bounded space seems to be impeding, that is spilling over into its surroundings, interrupting the calm narrative of its context and so opening new readings in it.” 1 (John Rajchman)
Energies… Well, architectural academics and practitioners alike (combined) have dedicated centuries of time trying to graft (construct through architecture) energy. Each design of architecture has several aims. Value (one could argue) within those aims and objectives is achieved only as a result when the organization of the locus of decisions is understood from examining the flows of current information. “To construct the production of flows from the spatial point of view; and so on.” 2 (Henri Lefebvre) In many respects, it is about understanding our present conditions of life (in all aspects), and projecting a model for it.
Personally, I am infatuated with the current means of communication exchange that we all are witnessing (modern media). I would argue that most of our spatial quandary concerns both our place within the world and our perception of the milieu. Consider, for a moment, one of the ‘greatest’ technological advancements currently on display… The digital revolution, or may we say ‘digital renaissance’? “Douglas Rushkoff prefers to describe this development in terms of a ‘renaissance’. Less nihilistic than a ‘revolution’, according to Rushkoff, this process reconfigures the ways in which we experience our realities.” 3 (Neil Leach)
We are constantly bombarded with information from all points. The ability to perceive and collate massive amounts of data at accelerating speeds has become a requirement for survival in all but the weakest economies. Essentially, there is energy (through flows of information bits) all around us. Fold (within this current digital revolution) is more present, now, than ever before in history.
We could construct a more fruitful world, if we build the ‘Fold of Perception’…
The greatest challenge we will face in the 21st century concerns our own perceptive limitations. The world’s greatest problems are, after all, directly related to the unforeseen consequences of our own actions, and from our inability to work collectively to solve these problems once recognized. We can significantly reduce the negative impact of these influences, however, if we can perceive them holistically. It is therefore necessary that we explore the ‘Fold of Perception’ in order that we may postulate a perceptual realignment. These effects include limitations regarding space and information (quantity), as well as time and reality (disposition).
This is an introduction; to be continued…
Joseph Bausano
Student - AA School of Architecture