microarchitecture

Before, in order to fulfill a NEED, the way to fulfill that need was to physically visit that architectural construction. Nowadays, with the aid of the internet, more localized and personalized outlets are readily available, changing our everyday activities.

One typology that has been persistent through time has been the construction of libraries and the consolidation of information for mass usage.

One virtual construction that has started to decentralize the entire library construction and rapidly accelerate the sharing of information is the creation of wiki’s and namely wikipedia, an online resource that has begun to replace library books, the borrowing of and writing of, simultaneously.

Wikipedia is advertised as the free encyclopedia. It has a searchable database of articles pertaining to almost all topics, in almost every imaginable language.

Not only does it provide access to information on topics, but it democratically allows a user to edit, add and correct information on the website. It is an open and self publishing resource that allows one to share information, almost bypassing the publishing/printing world. It also begins to provide information on obscure topics that may not normally garner attention in the mainstream.

It provides a means of communication, internationally as well as just an informational outlet. It allows people to converse, share ideas, virtually. It fosters dialogue that would ordinarily not be possible in the typical library environment because of the limited engagement and social etiquette that has been associated with library culture. Additionally, it provides a linkage between those that are physically separated and far in proximity.

This creates a new definition of an academic community, which tends to be limited to the physical campus or city/region. It opens up modes of interaction and information flow.

interactive art

a lil late with the post but...
better late than never.

after nell's presentation last week, another interactive art intiative that i was reminded of is the yellow arrow project. http://global.yellowarrow.net.

this public art project is interesting because it is completely appropriated by the author. the premise of the project is that you request a package of yellow arrow stickers. each sticker has a corresponding number. you place the arrows all around town. people can see the stickers call or text a number then recieve a personal message relating to what that arrow means. for example i saw a yellow arrow on the back of a praking sign on mass ave. i actually texted the number and the message received told me to look up at the hancock tower. the messages can range from overtly political to personal messages... it's all up to how much you want to share and say.

the virtual interface sends the message but i enjoy the fact that there is still the physical presence of the sticker....

and i'm always a fan of good, meaningful graffiti.

new mega typologies: virtual social communities

Assignment One:
New infrastructure typologies that did not exist prior to the internet.

Main Entry: in·fra·struc·ture
Function: noun
1 : the underlying foundation or basic framework (as of a system or organization)
2 : the permanent installations required for military purposes
3 : the system of public works of a country, state, or region; also : the resources (as personnel, buildings, or equipment) required for an activity

Main Entry: vir·tu·al
Function: adjective
1 : being such in essence or effect though not formally recognized or admitted virtual dictator>
2 : of, relating to, or using virtual memory
3 : of, relating to, or being a hypothetical particle whose existence is inferred from indirect evidence

---

A brainstorm:

Working directly from home.

Non-physical social interactions (friendster, myspace, craigslist)

Blogging (sharing thoughts, livejournal, xanga, blogger)

Long distance learning

Evaporation of space measurement.

Time does not really elapse. Instantaneous access.

Physical isolation with mental company

Self-created, self representation: avatars

Immediate communication (instant messenger things)

-----

CASE STUDY: Friendster
I have decided to use friendster as the most used tool for social interaction in virtual space. Nearly everybody that I know has a profile which they update and maintain regularly. This has become a social phenomenon that has spawned similar networks: myspace.com, thefacebook.com and others that I am unaware of.

Friendster allows you to "meet" people from all over the world, search for like minded people and potentially interact with friends of people you already know. Additionally, this is a tool to maintain contact with friends who are physically detached from your everyday. It is a way to keep in touch, check in with friends individually or on a mass level.

The slides submitted give a brief introduction to the friendster craze.