Event
Happy New Year!
— by Leonardo Dellanoce
The year just started and we want to wish you all a happy new year! For those who are in Amsterdam on January 15th we will meet and cheer together at the Ijzaal at the Tolhuistuin. Come by and have a drink with us and our friends of Monnik to usher in 2018!
Article
Down the Rabbit Hole of Memory Lane
— by Arjen Oosterman
Souvenirs: New NewYork Icons, the second iteration of Storefront’s model show, commissions 59+ objects that redefine New York’s iconic imagery. Tuesday November 28, the show was the stage for lectures and debate. Next to contributors Joep van Lieshout, Marga Weimans and QSpace, Volume was invited to add some thoughts and participate in the conversation following presentations.
Article, Volume #51
Major Tom, Planet Earth and Architecture
— by Fred F. J. Schoorl
‘Space and Time’, a duet of dimensions that brings to mind David Bowie’s epic figure Major Tom. Singing and floating in space, lost in time. “Planet Earth is blue, and there is nothing I can do.” A victim of what? His own drug use? Technology?
Whatever explanation we prefer, we are gradually entering a new world of digital, or virtual reality, which is just as uncertain and fascinating. This technological revolution will also influence the architecture profession. Will it eventually render the profession completely obsolete?
Blog, Volume #50
The Other Architect with Archis/Volume: Early Reflections
— by Leonardo Dellanoce
On Thursday November 9th, a debate on alternative practices of architects was on at Het Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam. The premise is the critical and historical standpoint of the exhibition title The Other Architect curated by Giovanna Borasi, now on show at the institute.
Article, Submission, Volume #51
In Defence of Simulations: An Introduction to AI and Spatial Computing
— by Yonathan Stein
People scatter heaps of data to the wind, knowingly and unknowingly, but only a few outside of tech institutions truly understand how data is being used and the simulations that it feeds. Mainly because ‘Computer Simulation’ is a tricky concept, perceived as one of two: either a practical engineering tool such as wind simulators and economic models; or as a copying tool, an agent of digital fakeness – special effects in movies, Google’s Earth and the blue-skyed images made to sell apartments before they are built.
Interview, Volume #51
Ego City. Interview with Felix Madrazo and Adrien Ravon
— by Arjen Oosterman
Last year, Felix Madrazo and Adrien Ravon led the ‘Ego City’ research studio at The Why Factory at
TU Delft. It was one of a series of studios that explored the themes of density and desires. Ego City
focused on the individual and ways to claim and create space. In doing so, it questioned traditional
methods of using design to create a better future for all and probed the viability of post-design
futures.
Editorial, Volume #51
Who’s Driving
— by Arjen Oosterman
Since its early days, the humanoid we call Homo sapiens has always been obsessed with gaining control.
Creating optimal conditions for its safety and comfort is the story of its life. The way Homo sapiens, aka ‘the
human’, confronted this self-imposed challenge was by design.
Volume #51
Out Now: Volume #51: Augmented Technology
— by Leonardo Dellanoce
As recent technological advancement became more and more pervasive and sophisticated, its consequences became more dramatically evident. In this context, design takes on a new relevance, in organizing and managing spaces, individuals, relations and ultimately societies. But if this is clear, several questions have to be answered: Who is driving it, who are the participants, who are sitting around the table? Does spatial design currently have a say in this, and if not, how can it participate and intervene
Thinking Out Loud #4: Final Thoughts Before the Launch
— by Leonardo Dellanoce
The issue is literally taking shape. That is good news of course, but as the finalization is nearing, the patterns behind voluntary and involuntary choices become clearer. It means that a increasincgly clear picture is emerging of what V51 is and will be as a whole.
Our own approach to the field is also becoming evident to ourselves, witnessing a file rouge emerging between pragmatic and speculative contributions, projects and poems, images and diagrams.
Article, Submission
The Images of History
— by Phillip Denny
If history is always written by the winners, then the exhortation to “make new history” means that there are battles to be fought and won for new histories to be written. The second edition of the Chicago Architectural Biennial, titled ‘Make New History’, borrowed its mantra-like title from Ed Ruscha and opened last week at the Chicago Cultural Center and venues across the city.