Italian Cabinet of Curiosities, c1600; Two Correlated Rotations by Dan Graham, 1969
“The postmodernist critique of science consists of two interrelated arguments, epistemological and ideological. Both are based on subjectivity. First, because of the subjectivity of the human object, anthropology, according to the epistemological argument cannot be a science; and in any event the subjectivity of the human subject precludes the possibility of science discovering objective truth. Second, since objectivity is an illusion, science according to the ideological argument, subverts oppressed groups, females, ethnics, third-world peoples.” Melford Spiro, “Postmodernist Anthropology, Subjectivity, and Science: a Modernist Critique.” In Comparative Studies in Society and History. 38:4 (October 1996). p.759-780.
When postmodernism established the edict ‘the anthropologist in the field alters the field,’ many working principles in architecture were challenged. If the various forms of architectural programs figure relationships between its occupants, the destabilization of the subject made the job of architects more challenging AND much more interesting. Further, we as a society have created social contracts that are program-specific; we know to keep quiet in libraries, to slow down and conscientiously observe in white-wall galleries, to eat faster in fast-food restaurants, to behave in big-box stores in ways that we would never behave in our own homes. This project seeks to explore what our social contract for the post-zoo could be.
PROCESS
The first part of this exercise will be to produce 2 photographic studies. Both studies should take place over a pre-established duration ie. 1 min, 1 hour. One study will be produced from the point of view of a still observer; the second will be from the point of view of an active/pursuing observer. Approach the studies like a field researcher- be precise, think about the frame. Observe the position of the body, observe any forms of communication. And most importantly, think about the relationship between the subject + object.
The second part of the exercise will be design an observation space. The expectation is that the program of this space will emerge out of the photographic studies. (In this way, the assignment is very open.) The only requirements for the space are as follows:
- Considers the comfortable occupation of an observer 365 days of the year, for up to 12 hours.
- Brings the observer in ‘petting range’ of the object.
- Is aware of its own materiality and relationship to the site.
SITE
Stanley Park’s Lost Lagoon is the site of marshy wetlands that offer a series of small islands, marshy grasses and bulrushes to nesting birds including Canadian Geese, swan, duck and Blue Heron. The Lost Lagoon is also the haunt of many raccoon and their extended families. The path that circumscribes the Lagoon is popular for pedestrians and joggers. Because the physical geography of the Lost Lagoon and environs is so unique to the park, we can consider the site to be a discrete eco-system within the larger eco-system of the park. For Project 01 both the photographic study and the site-specific space of observation are to be sited at the Lost Lagoon.
OBJECTIVES
The main objectives of this exercise are to 1> deeply embed everyone in the space of the park and encourage everyone to observe at a new [higher] frequency and 2> to begin to form attitudes towards the culture and ethic of observation
DELIVERABLES
2 Photographic Studies [any size, any format]
1 Panel 22”x34” landscape format describing design process
1 Panel 22”x34” landscape format describing final design including site plan.
Models, videos or any other supporting material