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epilogue: boundaries and the materiality of architecture

T he materiality of architecture is an elusive concept to define, yet one we must identify and articulate. On the surface, it deals with the materials of our built, usually urban, surroundings. However, let us suggest two options to tackle this broad and important issue. The first, is through the lens of semiotic knowledge. Based on interpretation and socio- cultural context, this vista views materials as mirroring symbolic meaning. For example, while timber holds various engineering and technical qualities, the cultural difference between ash to the American culture, maple to the Canadian culture and cherry to the Japanese culture are all part of semiotic interpretation. In the same manner, colour is another important attribute, as we can clearly see by the almost automatic connection between red and Ferrari . A second vista of interpretation relating to the materiality of architecture is what stands in the forefront in this piece – the political potential of materiality in the urban environment. Either to create geo-political boundaries between countries, to marginalise women in religious communities, or to enforce a superiority of one race over another – mundane materials and objects possess tremendous potential. It is this potential that stands at the heart of this piece. Although rarely discussed, the materiality of architecture is crucial for understanding our daily surroundings. As we have seen in the previous article, in unique cases, like the Tomb of the Patriarchs, the materiality of architecture is closely linked to political cultures and power constructs, influencing the daily lives of everyone while mirrored in the mundane objects comprising these spaces. However, the political possibilities of objects as an inherent part of architecture and the design of urban spaces, is not restricted to these unique instances. As designers, architects and urban planners find it easier to discuss materiality vis-à-vis the clean façade of semiotic knowledge – i.e., colour, finish and symbolic interpretation – the politics embedded in mundane objects must be considered as an important part of designing urban spaces. In this epilogue we wish to present several snapshots, that albeit unique to Israeli culture, will hopefully trigger some thoughts in the imagination of everyone. As our world is rapidly changing, currents of cultures and people traversing borders and hateful agendas replace broadmindedness, material boundaries are one more step towards a segregated world.

jonathan ventura sharon danzig

instance 1 the materiality of religion

community, yet transparent and almost camouflaged for all the rest (secular or from other religions). Since this material manifestation is aesthetically minimalistic and materially transparent in its mundane essence, it is almost of no visual threat. Furthermore, it is not interpreted as a tactic of “religiousizing” the public sphere. On the other hand, albeit its invisible design and mundane materiality (it is hung 5m from the ground and is not considered as a physical barrier or border), the Eruv manifests a clear and uncrossed boundary. considering these attributes, the Eruv is in fact a burden to its community, yet a “light-weight” barrier to every other resident, creating a spatial oxymoron. In many cases, when the string is ruptured by the wind, the Jewish community members are asked not to leave their homes to keep the sanctity of Shabbat.

As we can see all around us, the materiality of space and architecture can take the form of mundane objects or mere materials. The political potential of these objects lies in their design transparency, enabling an added layer of meaning. In this case, the Eruv string is a simple string circling an urban living quarter. This religious solution enables the inhabitants to walk around the neighbourhood during Shabbat, while carrying objects. This is needed, since during Shabbat, religious Jews cannot transport objects, such as keys, for fear of violating the laws of Shabbat. T =he materiality of space here serves a dual purpose, it is functional for Jewish believers, while serving as an almost transparent boundary, symbolizing the identity of this space’s inhabitants. The Eruv is a manifestation of minimizing religious manifestation in the public sphere, since it is clear and present for a specific

all images, Sharon Danzig

An Eruv string

On Site review 35 : the material culture of architecture

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