Society. Spaces. Screens
Abstract
This paper moves away from the hegemony of the screen to examine the mouse and keyboard as drawing tools. While they are not particularly versatile tools, they are often the only tools, and therefore the best tools, for the task.
Though much thought has been given to the computer as interface, or software as framework, missing from that discourse is how peripherals mediate our decisions and actions – its limited options can facilitate enormous complexity.
To start, I shift the discourse away from technics towards technique. By considering these two similar terms as philosophically different, the paper situates the mouse and keyboard away from quantitative tools of performance towards qualitative practices that enable approach and intent. I then describe technique as a thing by foregrounding Elizabeth Grosz’s definition of a thing as a means of provocation. This provocation moves technique from tools of intent, towards means of identity. While software may define the potential of a program, it is the keyboard and mouse that enables authors to define a particular language, one that is central to their creative practice. In the third part, I come back to the mouse and keyboard as tool by considering David Hickey’s notion of embodied mastery. This mastery is no different from past visual practices. Similar to the scale and T-square of times past, an architect’s work today is passively defined by the peripheral devices that sit innocently on their desk, waiting for the tips of fingers to bring them to life.
Johan Voordouw is an associate professor at the Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism, Carleton University. His interests include research-creation with a focus on contemporary environmental issues. Prior to his appointment at Carleton University, he taught and worked in the U.K. Johan’s work has been exhibited throughout Canada, the United States and Europe including the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam and the Venice Biennale.