Week Four - Week 5: Virtual Hypothetical Space

These two weeks were spent de-constructing the theme brief to fully understand the concept of a Virtual Hypothetical Space. 



To me, the definition of virtual in the context of hypothetical space implies a non physical existence, but made “virtually” to appear so...



A virtual space typically depicts a computer generated/ created with the aid of software environment. How could such an environment have an influence on an architectural design, and how would it benefit Australia?






After forming new groups, we began to pose the question WHAT IF?


From the tutorial exercises prior, we were able to grasp a clearer vision for hypothetical spaces for hypothetical scenarios.


These scenarios were:


- What if there was World War Three, and what would Australia's involvement be? How would our nations capital respond? What sort of system would be put in place/would already in be place?


- What if anarchy occurred on our streets? How would the nations capital respond? What infrastructure would there be in place to combat the rise up of society on the governing system?


- What if there was an alternate system of voice, advocacy, mobilisation and participation for the excluded majority? A sort of intra-community that not only brings peoples thoughts, ideas, struggles and the likes together, but brings the people of power and privilege down to a common level, who will strive for common goals...? How would a virtual environment reflect the nations capital for people to respond and relate to outside of Canberra?




The scenario we questioned the most, the one we continued to pull apart was the third scenario of a voice for the people...


After googling a few political cartoons, an idea sprung to mind that we could use such imagery to describe our research leading up to the scenario.


The idea was posed when discussing "How would/could parliament incorporate the vast social networking, and the technology that has evolved from it, into the political agenda?"

The cartoon sketch depicts Julia Gillard (Prime Minister) trying to connect with the modern age of technology with reference to the social networking site Facebook. I decided to use Apples technology as it mostly resembles the advancement and acceptance of technology in our modern world. Julia has Australia in her hands (A-pad) and is connected to Australia via "Facebook".


The power of social networking is vast, as described in the book 'Connected' which is briefly described on this website-


http://connectedthebook.com/pages/description.html

"Intriguing and entertaining,Connected overturns the notion of the individual and provides a revolutionary paradigm-that social networks influence our ideas, emotions, health, relationships, behavior, politics, and much more. It will change the way we think about every aspect of our lives."
(Connected:The surprising power of our social networks, Christakis, Fowler, 2011)