Technology as social separator vs technology as experience equalizer
What struck me most from the reading by Rem Koolhaas was his
analysis of the dual, somewhat opposing, role that technology played in
Manhattan and on Coney Island. On one end, safer elevators allowed buildings to
grow taller and they increasingly began to represent the social hierarchy
present in Manhattan. In the case of the Athletic Club, affluent white
bachelors could enjoy a myriad of activities on different floors hidden behind a
heavy stone façade. Different floors separated different program and the
imposing façade separated those members of the exclusive club from the rest of
the population. However, nearby on Coney Island, technology played a different
role. Mechanized horses on a steeplechase course replaced riding actual horses
through the dunes. Anyone at the beach could enjoy the former while the latter activity
once belonged only to the affluent. In this case, technology played an equalizing,
democratic role. Looking again at Coney Island, technology also affected the
love finding process. Seemingly complete strangers could line up, find one
another in the dark, and enjoy a sensual ride in a dark tunnel. Here, technology
removes bias from the participants; anyone can enjoy love while the darkness of
the tunnel allows for anything to occur while shielding the riders from the
judgement of the outside world.
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