WK04 BLOG - Architectural types and purposes

Key Themes

Architectural Types + Purposes

Services

Strategy

Strategies

Virtual [Main Strategy]

Flexible

Mobile

Distributed

Research Topics

Parliament House

House of Representatives

Chamber Architecture

Debate/Discussion + Architecture

diagram 1- parliament infrastructure img ref [http://www.peo.gov.au/students/cl/aph.html#how]

Diagram 2 - ceremonial axis

Diagram 3 - chamber floor plan

Reflection

My main focus this week was to explore architecture and technology that facilitated debate + discussion. I wanted to rethink existing parliament chambers and conceive of a space that reflected my statement of democracy through debate. I also integrated a virtual strategy to maximize the idea of debate and expand potential of debate beyond the physical parameters of parliament infrastructure.

What if we thought of parliament as an open house not a closed house?

I am interested in this question as it starts with a change in political ethos and has the potential to become an architectural manifestation that is more flexible than the existing parliament. It explores a different model of parliament and begins to critique the status quo.

The current parliament consists of two main chambers, the senate and the house of reps, where many of the main issues are debated. The primary function of these spaces is to 'house' political discussion between party leaders and various ministers. The discussion is moderator by the speaker of the house. These discussions are made public, however, there is no public engagement at this particular forum. The ministers engaged in the discussion are elected representatives, however, one could argue that the absence of public integration in these debates dilutes the idea of democracy. What would happen to the political process if we injected a public voice into parliament essentially transforming it into and 'open house'

What service will this open house provide?

Essentially it will act as a public 'presence' as well as a seat at the conversation table for public 'proxies'. The proxy is a virtual representative of the public which will utilize digital technology to connect people with the discussion. Social media such as twitter and facebook can be used to connect people to the discussion which expands the debate exponentially. Inspiration was taken from the Q and A TV show on ABC which utilizes live twitter updates during the on screen discussion.

The word cloud on QANDA's website is a list of the 25 most used twitter words. This is a good example of how social media can allow for a deeper analysis of conversation and public opinion. I am interested in how digital tools can change the landscape of political debate and ultimately improve the political process.

WK03 BLOG - Infrastructure, Strategy and Presence

Key Themes

Infrastructure

Strategy

Presence

Australian Capital

Strategies

Flexible

Mobile

Distributed

Virtual

Research Topics

Canberra Infrastructure

Canberra Identity and Presence

Reflection

What is Australian Capital?

My first objective for this weeks topic is to understand what is meant by Australian Capital and its unique identity and presence. Does Australian Capital refer to the government or to the city, or both? It seems that it is both and also refers to the state and geographic location of the ACT. One could reason that place/territory is intrinsically linked with with the concept of Australian Capital and acts as a physical source of presence and identity.

The master plan of Canberra embodies the city as well as the parliament essentially intertwining them with the geographical region and strengthening the presence of Australian Capital. If the city was not planned and the parliament was added on later in an unplanned fashion one could argue that the presence and identity of Australian Capital would be diluted due to its physical disconnection.

Diagram 1: Australian Capital as Location/City/Architecture

Diagram 2: Australian Capital (Territory) Ref: Google Images accessed 27 August 2011

Diagram 3: Australian Capital (Territory) Base Img Ref: http://www.idealcity.org.au/win-1.html

Diagram 4: Architecture as Australian Capital presence

Studio Workshop

Task: Create Scenarios with specific context and user and incorporate strategy (Architectural Fiction)

Architectural Fiction 1

Diagram 1: Adding a virtual layer to the physical environment: create therapeutic environment?

Scenario

A patient is suffering from clinical depression and is seeking medical treatment from a government funded hospital. They have been assigned a councilor and have to visit the hospital weekly for talking therapies and various other treatments. It is often inconvenient for the patient to make the hour long journey to the hospital and as they are a low income earner it is expensive and stressful to travel each week.

Strategy

The idea was to implement a virtual strategy that allowed the patient to receive treatment without the hassle of traveling all the way to the hospital. Through the use of digital technology a virtual image of the doctor could be projected into the patients home allowing the talking therapies to be conducted without physical travel.

WK02 BLOG - Flexible, Mobile, Distributed, Virtual

Key Themes

Capital City

Australia

Parliment

Government

Strategies

Flexible

Mobile

Distributed

Virtual

Research Topics

Canberra Past + Present

Capital City + Parliament

Reflection

Initial Questions

What is the focus of the Capitheical Project?

How does the Australian Government and Parliament work?

What are some significant issues with how it works today?

Initial Cusiosity

I am interested in the use of Debate and Argument within the political process and am particularly interested in public debates and forums where issues are discussed in depth.

I am curious to how we can improve the political process through Debate and how technology and architecture can facilitate this.

It seems that on many occasions the government makes decisions that are at odds with public opinion. These decisions impact significantly on many people and often results in public protest and disillusionment with the people who are meant to have our best interest at heart.

Aside from differing agendas and who is more right it is essential that the government communicates effectively internally and externally with the people it represents. An effective way

to discuss issues is through debate within an appropriate forum.

Technology and social media have already enhanced political debate with an example being the Q and A television show on ABC which is enhanced greatly through twitter which offers instantaneous feedback from anyone watching the program.

The show is a fantastic forum for political debate and discussion about significant issues and offers education, insights, perspectives, awareness and enlightenment for any one engaged in the program.

My Initial Idea is to rethink the political process with respect to debate, discussion, argument and conversation and to visualize an architectural solution to a parliament optimized for this reformed process.

The antithesis to my theme is misinformation, uneducation, confusion, circular argument, falsehoods, straw-men, lies, irrational argument, bigotry

Statement: Democracy through debate, Forum through form

Week 2 Studio Workshop : Flexible, Mobile, Distributed, Virtual

Question. How do you think Virtual, Mobile, Distributed, Flexible Architecture benefits Australia?

General Brainstorm

Diagram 1.- Understanding Australia's political context and structure

Virtual

1. Enhances public awareness through communication, interaction and information

2. Facilitates democratic process by giving people a voice through media

3. Reinforces culture and social reproduction

4. Encourages transparency, enlightenment and awareness

5. Minimizes resource use including material and time, more sustainable?

Diagram 2. - Virtual Interface between Parliament and Public

Diagram 3. - Virtual Network with multiple interfaces

Question. - What can an Agent of Australian Capital be?

Answer -

Politician

City

Architecture

Legislation

Material Identity and Symbol (flag,coat of arms)

Image

Media (tv,radio,channel,journalist)