THe break-up
theory masterclass 'The bed in the age of social media', led by beatriz colomina
YEAR: 2017 - the berlage center for advanced studies in architecture and urban design, tu delft
TEAM: Marcela Montalvão, MANOLIS VENIERAKIS
tutors: beatriz colomina, mark wigley, salomon frausto, hugo corbett, Mauricio Freyre
Guest crits: nick axel, james taylor foster
Technology made possible working from home breaking the 8 hour division of work – leisure – sleep system, set during the industrial revolution. From the mono functional tool that dictated the use of the space and the zoning of the modernist city, i.e. the typewriter, the office, the business area, to the multi functional tool that disconnects the space to a specific use. The multi functional portable device, like a smartphone or a laptop, allows a single space to perform different uses, turning your bedroom or the café in your neighborhood into your office. The bed had never before so many roles, being transformed in a space rather than a piece of furniture for sleep and love.
Instead of working less due to technology, more personal time is devoted to work, trying to catch up with its rhythms. In parallel, private life is gradually dissoluted, giving in more and more information of the most intimate moments, broadcasting them voluntarily in public.
The project tries to form a critical approach to the addiction of social media, the need to present oneself special and interesting in order to feel liked and appreciated.
The intention is a metaphor of the character suffering the same situation as an ordinary person, trapped inside the social media network, trying to finish a relationship and seeking help on how to overcome this situation. People rely on technology and social media for communication, company, advice, entertainment, inspiration, health information, sex stimulation. Through virtual interaction how will architecture perform in the physical world?
After the high-tech enthusiasm, the initial shock and starve for more technology, society is realizing and becoming aware and more critical on how much one gives in to technology, how this information is used and is starting to find ways to establish new boundaries between private and social life, between work and leisure.