Absurd-Minded

Tuesday, 8 November 2011

Spaces with Artificial Memory

This is the screenshot from Gaspar Noe's 'Irreversible' film. I have suddenly remembered about this film when started to look at the tunnels, and wondering why is it that they give me such a strong feeling. And then I realised.
I've seen this film about three or four years ago and still it is the only movie, that i can recall from the depth of my memory, and remember every second of it. It certainly gave me one of the strongest impressions i have ever had after watching a film. It also is to do with the story being so real, it could have happen to anyone. And there we are, it is since then, that i have my almost superstitious fear of the tunnels.
And that is exactly why i am unconsciously drawn to them (it seems this way anyway), as you have to face your fear in order to get read of it.

taken from here: http://www.filmsquish.com/guts/?q=node/783

The location of the tunnel, according to the internet source is in Paris: Buttes Chaumont, Paris 19, Paris, France (the subway station).

Monday, 7 November 2011

Spaces with Artificial Memory

It turned out to be quite strange to be visiting the 'Artificial Memory' places. Obviously, it depends on the scene of the film that has been filmed here or there. In this case the funny house with a 'flying door' and the one next to it are the ones where the two gangs of Guy Ritchie's 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' had monstrous gun fight. But strange enough, the place does not have much to it. The atmosphere might have been cleaned out by the busy market next door or the fancy Paul Smith boutique, instead of 'MINICABS' like it is in the movie...

from Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels: Park Lane, Borough and the screenshot from the film of course

London Bridge Station:

read about the fire on Tooley Street in 1861:
http://www.london-fire.gov.uk/AnniversaryTooleyStreetFire.asp

photos by Maris E. Skujins

Seems, like I am being drawn toward the tunnels and the sense of fear much more than to 'film spots' with their artificial memory. I think, for the rest of the research that would have to be the spaces with real atmosphere or with a very convincing and believed one.
So London tunnels, here i come!

Wednesday, 2 November 2011

Spaces with Artificial Memory

186 Fleet Street: Sweeney Todd's memory

Whitechapel: places where Jack the Ripper killed two of five women.

Wandsworth Roundabout: From the scene of Clockwork Orange, the first act of 'ultra violence'

The tunnels, the tightness of the spaces and their memory, artificial or not, certainly gave be some goosebumps on my visit there. All of these three spaces have few things in common: the aura of fear, tightness and tension of the inner space and, of course, the memory. My memory it is. That's what I judge the space before I enter it. That I found quite weird, as not many people are aware of the history of these London spots, and obviously not many people would share my fear of them. Gives me something to think about.

Thursday, 27 October 2011

The Psychology of Space: Tim Stock

...How we plan space is less about building than it is the reshaping of behaviour that the space affords.

How we plan begins with our sense of our position to the space we inhabit.

The space doesn't define the use- the behaviour does.

http://www.slideshare.net/scenariodna/the-psychology-of-space-design-research-methods

Tuesday, 18 October 2011

Video Research: Polansky's Repulsion

17:30-19:00
28:32-30:12

Monday, 17 October 2011

Architectural Sequence: #8, Old Mint Street, Valetta, Malta. The Basement.

The building was built around 1620 and used for residential purposes. It was always in the possession of the Central Government and prior to that was in the possession of the Knights of the Order of St. John.

As "the different methods of construction adopted at the lower levels indicate that the

building might have been constructed at different periods of time."

Further record also showed that the building was split up into a number of different tenements.From 1941 to 1961 the property was repaired the damage caused during World War II as well as any other damage that had accumulated over the years.

(source from: NUMBER 8, Institute for Masonry and Construction Research; Siying Que, 2010)

The ancient basement was a discovery. It hasn't been touched for few centuries and kept its original fascinating beauty. It has most probably been used as a laundry space. I must say, it truly is an amazing space. Its broken symmetry and irregularity, together with tall arches and 'magical' skylights bring the viewer back to the times when it has been built. The time has made only few little changes to the surfaces of the limestone, that the basement is made out of. But the rust and the moss add even more character to this ancient 'treasure'. I have found the unity of the cladding material and the internal 'furniture' absolutely astonishing. Strange enough, i have never likes the absolute unity of the materials. But that natural stone, that has gone through the natural process of ageing, with the light tunnels, falling from the courtyard, is a killer. Would love to go back there, even if it will be in my dreams.