Realism & Materialism Part I

This discourse between DeLanda and Harman scrutinizes the way in which we view objects around us and their relationship with the human psyche. Primarily, the argument begins with three opinions; the first being that realism and materialism exist simultaneously wherein objects can be perceived in an isolated manner as well as in relation to the mental notions that are formed about it. The second opinion is dominated by the realist views, which suggests that a mental association always exists with any object and it cannot be perceived without it. Finally, the third with materialism being the dominant concept that separates the object’s interactions to the mind and views its separate identity. Realism is in most cases an overarching truth about any object that may or may not be coupled with materialists. As an example, in religion the concept of heaven and hell, exists very strongly for the believers and hence it is real. But without physical evidence, one could argue that this does not fall under materialism since it only exists in essence. On the other hand, when it comes to the world of science and experimentations, elements are sometimes analyzed purely as non-cognitive entities whose identities are decided by the chemical or physical compositions. Another associated argument suggests that all humans are made of matter and are therefore inherently materialists. So, if an object does relate to the mind, is it not related to materials associated with the mind? On the flipside, even while assessing an element materialistically and supposedly without any human connection, there is always a process of extraction, creation or simulation that is involved in the process which cannot happen without actual thinking. There is also a history involved with every object, that has the potential to dictate the characteristics of the object. This is the moment where Realism seems to be the overarching umbrella of classification.

The idea of form is something that transcends both these concepts. One can argue that both materialism and realism have an idea of form, since form as a definition is also quite abstract. Perhaps, that is the core which connects these two together. What we cannot see or touch could have a form. What we see physically in front of our eyes can have form as well as geometry. This form can be perceived in multiple ways as a singular unit or a collection of units or even as an ambiguous simulation. But when it comes to materialism and realism, there is usually a play of mind and physical tangibility, with different permutations and combinations helping us to understand each better.

The way we view or imagine architectural designs has been evolving over the years, from printed drawings to digital renders. One of the notable factors here has been how the media has developed from more obviously tangible ones that are closely related to materialism, to less physically perceivable but easily viewable digital media that involves simulation and perhaps even virtual reality; the latter is more closely related to realism. Even in the execution of spatial arrangements and artistic creations, this idea of playing with the mind with respect to what is real and what is a manifestation of our imagination is quite commonly seen today, especially with the rapid advancements in technology. Soon, we might be able to virtually control major aspects of our life or environments like the amount of light in the room, the wall arrangements or even materiality of the surfaces, without actually establishing physical contact. Realism in the rawest sense of the concept is on the rise and might become an integral part of our lives soon if it hasn’t already.

It can be argued that the concept of Heaven and Hell may be real and not material since it cannot be physically touched or manifested.

It can be argued that the mind is also materialist since it is made up of matter, and hence any object that has mental connections may be materialist.

Virtual reality as a bridge between materialism and realism.

Mies Van Der Rohe 1921 concept drawing of  a glass tower

A drawing representing Megalomania, by Jonathan Gales

A 1974 drawing of the Hyperloop concept. The original idea began in the 1700s to envision a time with super fast transportation. The current idea includes a train running at a speed greater than Boeing 737, in a controlled tube running on tracks in the open air.

The current Hyperloop render. It is now very close to turning into a reality.

THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF AN IDEA BEING BORN AS A REALIST ONE AND OVER TIME, TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT AND HARDWORK, TURNING INTO MATERIALISM.

With the trend of Holographic projections, the way we view architectural models, details and design is transforming tremendously. It is certainly blurring the lines between Realism and Materialism in terms of what we can touch physically and what we can touch virtually.

http://www.realitydistorted.com/tag/architecture/page/2/