Memory in Motion
Inspired by Henri Bergson’s seminal work “Matter
and Memory”, this project explores the intricate
relationship between the concepts of space, time,
and materiality through an experimental model.
Through interdisciplinary exploration, this project
posits that architecture serves as a tangible repository
of collective memory, a tangible manifestation of
humans’ shared experiences and cultural heritage.
Drawing upon Bergson’s concept of pure duration,
this project argues that architectural spaces possess
an inherent temporality capable of evoking and
shaping human memories. The experimental model,
consisting of two plexiglass panels separated,
features pores through which plexiglass rods of
varying lengths are inserted. These rods, each marked
with a red plus at the end, represent the dynamic
interplay between memory traces and the physical
environment. Furthermore, the red pluses at the ends
of the rods represent the persistence of memory and
its ability to transcend physical boundaries and endure
through the passage of time. The varying lengths of
the plexiglass rods symbolize the diverse temporal
dimensions embedded within architectural structures,
each capturing a unique moment in time. Just as
Bergson’s concept of durée réelle suggests that time
is not a linear progression but rather a continuous
flow, the architectural model signifies that memory
is not static but rather a dynamic process, constantly
evolving and adapting. This project, with its interplay
of space, time, and materiality, serves as a catalyst
for interdisciplinary dialogue, inviting collaboration
between architects, philosophers, historians, and
memory studies scholars. In conclusion, by examining
the profound connections between our built
environment and our collective memory, this project
seeks to redefine the role of architecture in shaping
our understanding of the past, present, and future.
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Figure 1. Speculative model
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Figure 2. Front view
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Figure 3. Isometric view
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Figure 3. Architectural palimpsests: unveiling the temporal dimensions of built space
