The image, right, shows us the importance of temporality when dealing with the materiality of space and architecture. We can see that all the boundaries created in this space, on the northern beach of Tel-Aviv, are indeed temporary in nature. The run-of-the-mill monobloc chairs could be moved aside and the red-and-white tape taken down. However, to every person passing by it is crystal clear that this space is taken, spoken- for and, therefore, prohibited to use. While seemingly insignificant, this image mirrors a much broader phenomenon gaining popularity in the personal and national spheres – the ever- growing segregation and seclusion of spaces. This last image was taken during Israel’s Independence Day, manifested, among else by an aerial demonstration of the Israeli Air Force over the country’s coastline. Many spectators arrive and hold their place through a temporal marking of communal territory using a cheap marking tape or string. Every family or group of friends mark their territory, which sometimes include a no-man’s land buffer zone. This occupation of public space functions along the rule of ‘first comes first gets’. Early-arriving representatives mark their borders with light monobloc chairs, creating a three dimensional border. The rest of the group’s gear (tables, food, picnic things) will arrive later in the day with the rest of the group. This example, like the others, highlights another evolution in the tactics of seclusion and segregation of public space through material solutions. While previous examples were centred around institutional agencies, be it governmental or religious, this last example is different. This private occupation of public space manifests a willing, albeit temporal, initiative of individuals for segregation behind flimsy yet symbolic boundaries. Yet, all these examples show us the importance of materiality of space as an ongoing, sometimes violent, dialogue between individuals and institutionalised agencies. n
all images, Sharon Danzig
from the top: Young man on a horse, El-Araquib A temporary hamlet in El-Araquib in current dispute between the government and local inhabitants Individual segregation in Tel Aviv
On Site review 35 : the material culture of architecture
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