Memory in Motion

March. 2022
Individual Research Project


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.

Figure 1. The speculative model.

Figure 2. The front view.

Figure 3. The isometric view.

Figure 3. Architectural palimpsests: unveiling the temporal dimensions of built space