Sequences (aka TSCHUMI)

SPC VNT MVMNT

The idea that spaces/architecture can orchestrate our exposure to the environment is nothing new. The processional way, an ancient idea, leads us through the city, past the significant buildings to the seat of power.  "...architectural sequences do not mean only the reality of the actual buildings, or the symbolic reality of their fictions. An implied narrative is always there, whether of method, use, or form" (Bernard Tschumi, "Sequences")

1 Space 2 Event and 3 Movement

The three key factors for sequence, here the relationship of architecture and body can vary.  Architecture can be designed to control the event and imply certain relationships of spaces.  Event and choice can also subvert this relationship, that is to say that we do exert a certain amount of choice within the parameters that the architecture sets.  When we consider Tschumi's obsession with film we can understand that it sets up the right metaphor for his discussion.

For Tschumi the ritual or seat of power; ie church, company or parliament, implies a frozen relationship, in order to exert total control the institutes aim to avoid disorder.  The processional way is a ceremony as much as it is a site, and only really exists in one form or type of event.

"The expanded sequence makes a solid of the gap between spaces.  The gap thus becomes a space of its on, a corridor, threshold, or doorstep- a proper symbol inserted between each event." (ibid)  The construction of spaces in this light then is contingent on program.  The insertion of an implied intention is thus essential for creating a sequence, essential for architecture.  The program can shift and move around the architecture, and indeed the development of the architecture can shift and move around the program.

Tschumi closes by stating; "Alternatively, of course, architectural sequences can also be made strategically disjunctive (the pole-vaulter in the catacombs)"(ibid).  Then where does that leave us today? In light of our focus on technology we must think; how does or can device change this relationship?

The ubiquity of which one can access telecommunications means that sequence (or program, or event) can be interrupted by device.  Access to information (no matter how useful) can then break the intended sequence.  Is this in any way a breaking? or is it simply a shifting? an new element? should or three point include a fourth - 4 Information?  Does this element become part of a new narrative, ubiquitous among all sequencing? 

The potential for information to make sequences change and become similar throughout the world is there; the potential for us to exercise a certain amount rejection, or rebellion through this medium as set in this system lies awaiting.

1 Space 2 Event 3 Movement and 4 Information