Alex Latham - The Truman Show
Much like the movie The Truman Show, our readings depict a society based on "superior substitutes" to real-life experiences. In the movie, a perfect town is made and condensed where only Jim Carrey's character is unaware of the fact that the town is the subject of a "reality" TV show showing his life to the world.
In the realm depicted in our readings, though, society is fully aware of the falsity of these experiences and embraces them. Examples such as electric bathing, steeplechase, and the Barrels of Love reveal society's eminent love for "enhanced versions of natural states."
Even today, we are captivated by the idea of an even further delving into a false world with technology like virtual reality, where we can put on goggles that make us feel like we are in a different place and time. What can we do as architects to help prevent society from turning to a series of virtual escapes to resolve their "desperation for previous comforts and necessities?"
In the realm depicted in our readings, though, society is fully aware of the falsity of these experiences and embraces them. Examples such as electric bathing, steeplechase, and the Barrels of Love reveal society's eminent love for "enhanced versions of natural states."
Even today, we are captivated by the idea of an even further delving into a false world with technology like virtual reality, where we can put on goggles that make us feel like we are in a different place and time. What can we do as architects to help prevent society from turning to a series of virtual escapes to resolve their "desperation for previous comforts and necessities?"
Rather than fighting technology (and potentially regressing) is there a way that we can use architecture to instead enhance the virtual world? Or is there a way that we could bring the virtual architecture into reality?
ReplyDeletePerhaps today in our current epoch of authenticity, sustainability or a seemingly "organic" way of life is practically the inverse and the mindset of post-modernism. I don't think that today we have the same obsession over technology and virtual reality that we once did but rather, we are utilizing technology to create a more authentic world.
ReplyDeleteA common theme among many architects today seems to be the goal of creating architecture that is rooted in the place and reflective of the surrounding culture and environment. I think that there is a way to embrace the environment and cultural memory of the site, while also creating architecture that is relevant and embraces current technology. As far as virtual reality, though, I think that while there will always be people who are seduced by fantasy, the majority of people desire a built environment that is familiar to them.
ReplyDeleteI think that with all the new systems and electronics that have come about in the past three years alone that we do not have not think of technology as diminishing the real or taking place of authentic objects that we can think of technology as a new element to be integrated.
ReplyDeleteHi Alex!
ReplyDeletePerhaps architects can act as stewards of the natural world through their designs? I do not believe this means that they must shun technology, rather, how can technology be used to protect and engage the natural world?