Raphael Lambotte
A House for Paul Virilio: Speculative designs on the edge of perception and speed
This doctoral research, guided by the supervision of Daniel Brown and Simon Twose at Victoria University of Wellington, investigates the intersection of Paul Virilio's theoretical constructs and speculative architectural practices. The project's core inquiry centers on conceptualizing "A House for Paul Virilio," interpreting his theories within the realm of contemporary architecture through speculative design. Paul Virilio's work, characterized by a focus on the dynamics of speed and the effects of perception on space, challenges traditional architectural boundaries. This study employs Virilio’s triptych method of project design—a process that includes envisioning the worst possible scenario, the best conceivable scenario, and a synthesis of both to explore beyond conventional limitations. This methodical approach allows for a structured exploration of Virilio's theories and their application to modern architectural challenges, without premature conclusions. At this early stage, the project is inherently speculative and exploratory. It aims to examine how architectural form can respond to and embody the immediacy and transience that Virilio theorized. The research is designed to probe the boundaries of how architecture interacts with time and space, contemplating future habitats in the context of accelerated technological and social changes. The focus is on developing a series of speculative designs that reflect on the notion of speed and perception. These designs are intended to challenge current architectural practices and suggest innovative ways of conceptualizing and experiencing living spaces. As the research is in its initial phase, the outcomes are open-ended and primarily speculative, aimed at stimulating discussion rather than concluding. This study seeks to bridge theoretical exploration with practical design considerations, contributing to the discourse on the future of architectural environments. By applying Virilio’s conceptual framework to speculative architecture, the research anticipates offering new insights into the evolution of living spaces in a rapidly changing world.
Supervisors
Associate Professor Simon Twose & Professor Daniel Brown
Qualifications
Ecole Spéciale d'Architecture, Paris (BArch + MArch, graduated 2023)
Awards
Wellington Doctoral Scholarship for 3 years