Power by space is a collection of experiments done by Corpo-real students. Corpo-real is located in Zwolle, where students and tutors develop a research-driven spatial design practice geared towards an unknown future.

Experiment: Power Relations (Familiar Setting)

Based on our previous experiments, we wanted to find ways to break the power that being put in a higher position gives us. To do so, we created a setting in which one person gets the task to read a text to another person. To compare different situations, we changed

Navigating space through sound

Introduction In this experiment we tried to investigate the influence of sound on spatial perception and orientation. The objective was to comprehend how different auditory stimuli impact the perception of space and aid individuals in understanding its dimensions. In the experimental setup, participants were blindfolded and exposed to three distinct

Space and Psychology

What’s heterotopia?
The literal meaning of heterotopia is ‘spaces that are somehow other’. Michel Foucault juxtapositions Heterotopia’s with Utopias.

Awareness

With the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, many people had to flee their homes. Spreading out among neighbouring countries, these people were desperately in need of help. To spread awareness within host countries we came up with a series of micro interventions, small in size – big in meaning.

What our hands can do

WHAT OUR HANDS CAN DO For the next phase of our process, our group went to a clay studio together. We wanted to make miniatures to carry our emotions. The reason we choose clay is that clay can make it easily the exact shape we want to create in this

Belonging

We made a simple tent structure and placed it at different locations throughout the city of Zwolle. With this research method we could quickly take over a space while trying to find a sense of belonging.​

Physical body

What is the meaning of having a HEALTHY BODY in relation to POWER in SPACE ?

Walking music “one”

Research question Does the song’s speed affect the way of walking and paying attention to the environment? Experiment We played a piece of music that was performed at different speeds for the participants and asked them to walk in the space while listening to the music. Findings Change in the

Scent Vocabulary

We aimed to explore the power of scent perception by engaging participants in a multi-sensory experience. Students were exposed to unfamiliar odors and tasked with visually representing the smells through collages of colors and shapes. Additionally, they used cut threads to symbolize the volume or length of each scent. This

Hidden Gems of Zwolle

“Our exploration of Zwolle’s city center revealed places that often escape the attention of both locals and visitors such as quiet corners, overlooked details, and unplanned beauty that lays in the everyday. We call them hidden gems, the spaces that invite to pause and reflect with a sense of curiosity.

Table of emotions

TABLE OF EMOTIONS To investigate the subject of symbols in space further, we decided to translate the symbolic act of putting things on the table into a physical table in which emotions could be placed inside, so it would become a table that holds emotions. We worked with miniatures because

Record powerful places

Research question Is sound a factor in how we perceive powerful spaces?What are the characteristics of sound in powerful spaces? Experiment To fully understand our task of spreading power through space, we first had to explore the power dynamics of space. Some spaces are identified as inherently powerful. Still interested

Atlas-method

We used the Atlas-Method throughout the study to record the process and seek connections between different themes and experiments.

Workshop: take back power in space

This workshop was part of our ongoing research. During this workshop the participants experienced the relationship between power and space. The participants were devided into groups, working on the same keyword related to one of our lenses, Power and Health, Power and Reality and Power and Shelter.

Choice

We tested different parts of our previous research with this life sized installation. The shelter adapted to a space within an already existing building. With this we made a more livable place taking protection, privacy and comfort into account.​

Privacy

Testing privacy. When are we feeling safe? By playing with light and reflection, places are created where you are visible from one side and not from the other. This makes you feel safe.

Binding

Research questionHow are people’s behaviours influenced by the distance or the space size?   Will obstacles in a place make the movement different? Does different amount of people will make the movement distinct? Experiment First iteration: through binding together the feet of the two researchers, the movement of the feet is

Experiment: Power Relations (Unfamiliar Setting)

We noticed that our results from the first power relations experiment may be not entirely representative, as our classmates knew what we were researching (if you have not seen it, click here). Therefore, we decided to conduct the same experiment again with strangers. We went to the conservatory and asked

The Habits of Zwolle

How well do we know the city we live in? We are looking for the power of interruptions, bodies or instructions on habits. How can we change the usual, the habit, and what does someone need to be willing to change their usual? And how does this work in city

Habits in Wayfinding

Intuitively exploring unknown places without the use of technology When thinking of harmful habits, the use of screens and technology  was one that popped into mind quite quickly. When applying this habit to wayfinding and exploration, we noticed that a lot of us rely on applications such as Google Maps

Signs “one”

Research question What if we add important official signs in their peripheral sight on the doors that are used daily? Would one new red circle on the door bring power back in the space? Experiment Implementing official signs to the space people use every day, to see how aware they are

Sound maze

Research questionHow can sound inform wayfinding in space?Can the sounds from powerful places be applied to other spaces and have a similar effect?   Experiment To answer this question we first had to understand what kinds of sounds we hear in everyday life that cause us to react in certain

Algorithm of the body

In our exploration of power in space, we conducted an experiment focusing on the impact of social media on the body and mind. Filming our faces, bodies, hands, and feet while scrolling through Instagram, we aimed to raise awareness of the disconnection between our physical and mental states. This experiment

Power of the Audio Codes

To research the spreading of power through space, we decided to focus on power through sounds. The projects contain many different  methodologies, and findings. They have given us a broad understanding of sound and power. We invite you to take a look and see for yourself.  Mirthe Bolt // Niloufar Ghalandari