An interesting collection of history and research on Swiss data centres. Chosen because of my interest on graphic design and the history of digitalisation in Switzerland. It was an interesting read through the governmental and commercial decisions on digital Infrastructure, sparking questions about technological advance / obsolesence, opacity of systems, and providing insight into the «invisible» entirely physical infrastructure of the Internet.
«Bambusregen», Collection of Haikus, accompanied with original wood cuts from the “Kagebôshishû”, published 1754 in Ôsaka.
I chose this book because I am intrigued by the Japanese culture and their language. Little poems, filled with metaphors / images of beauty, emotion and ambience that our western languages do not have the ability to transport. Imagining the images that the poems transport always fills me with joy.
I found this small book under a large pile of books in the Zürcher Brockenhaus. Its blank cover intrigued me and before opening it, I wondered about its contents like a small child. Opening it revealed a plethora of beautiful geological visualisations, beautifully set text, talking about geological mechanisms and history.
We discussed about the literature choices of everyone in our small group. Many of the books the others brought were about self-improvement and -reflection.
The walk led us into the nearby forest, dressed in autumn leaves, passing the Zürich Zoo, challenging us with a muddy descent through a overgrown passage and leading back to the house. During the walk, I had the chance to talk to some classmates and Marcial, Luke, Jürgen and afterwards with Joelle. The notion of «tools» led to the development of first ideas and a reflection on their history, definition, current role, possible future developments. Some interesting questions emerged in a discussion about the development of tools in relation to algorithmic decisions, about their role in motivation for working, and issues of specific tools we use.
The next block had the aim to sharpen our ideas through methodological exchange and reframing.
In this discussion, Alec, Baran and I discussed the term «decentralisation» in relation to our subjects. In our globalised world, this term has many implications and provides benefits and drawbacks. In a political manner, Centralisation can lead to opacity in decisions, abuse of power and conflict of interests, the term of the common good and the discussions in political philosophy emerge. In the context of design, decentralisation could prove as a solution to the global consume-driven system, re-empowering our local supply-chains / craftsmanship, and creating a better awareness on our footprint.
