Hack the Space

WHY?

Space affects and, to some degree, determines how we move and interact with each other. Understanding this complex relationship helps us understand the complexity that underlies the world around us and empowers us at the same time.

Hacking, i.e. the conscious changing and rearranging of the intended use, of a particular space, is important because it helps us decode this complex relationship. Reclaiming the physical environment and the humanisation of many spaces are among the many reasons space has been hacked in the past and present.

Using something in the “wrong” way implies that we deconstruct what the “right” way is. And let’s set the record straight: there is no right or wrong way – everything can be changed in whatever way needed and imagined.

HOW?

The “how” is easy: change everything around you as idiosyncratic as you want and have fun. But that is easier said than done. Before making changes, it is essential to understand why things are the way they are: change requires a solid grasp of the existing. Understand, change, and reflect on what you are doing. This trichord is the secret behind this experiment. “Hacking the space” often involves pushing the boundaries of social norms. Sometimes, this means making only minor adjustments, while it can be more significant at other times. It takes social courage to step outside learned behaviours. For instance, in the Hawkins\Brown labs, the initial half-hour was often filled with awkwardness as the facilitator encouraged participants to act beyond their usual spatial and social constraints. Making that leap can be challenging, but it is worthwhile.