Memory: The Main Character
Before we can answer this question, we need to explore what memory means. The creation, the storage and retrieval. The types and the importance of it - all in relation to the systems within nature... ‘‘Natures garden represents a beautifully dynamic equilibrium, everything in its place and yet constantly changing’’05 [Skene, 2019]
There is something to be said for that in architecture. We as human are hoarders, especially of memory. We are rigid and generally not open to change. Nature evolves gradually, through natural selection, and adapts to an ever changing environment. It moves with its ecosystem, updating constantly to be more efficient in its current situation. We could take a lesson from this, by letting go of and learning from the past. Acknowledge we might not be what we used to be, but that maybe we are better . 06
All memory can be curated and controlled, a lot of the time it is not a true representation of events but rather a story of the imaginary. Stories can be rewritten, images can be cropped, videos cut, buildings removed and replaced or adapted. It could be said that memory is constantly changing, but the representation of it is not: ‘‘Every time in ways that remember it, the previous
you remember an event from the past, your brain networks change can alter the later recall of the event. Thus, the next time you you might recall not the original event but what you remembered time’’07 [paul, 2012]
So this poses the question of how do we create the memories in the first place? In general, it takes time for memories to form whether that is physical or emotional; in the physical body or in the emotional mind. There are two main types of long term memory: Declarative [explicit] + Non-declarative [implicit] -----------------------Both are types of long term memory with declarative memory allowing the brain to consciously recollect experiences in terms of facts like capital cities and events such as past birthdays. Non-declarative memory is the unconscious and builds up; for example learned skills such as skiing, riding a bike or playing an instrument. It also includes unconscious bodily responses such as salivating at the thought or smell of ones favourite food.08
Prologue
05
Skene, K., 2019. Artificial intelligence and the environmental crisis. 1st ed. Routledge.
06
‘better’ does not mean that we improve each time but rather we adapt to function at our most streamline for the current time and environment.
07
https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2012/09/your-memory-is-like-the-telephone-game
08
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/declarative-memory#:~:text=Declarative%20or%20 explicit%20memory%20is,for%20fast%20processing%20and%20learning.
EXOSOMATIC MEMORY
