Performance Architecure

Abstract

This research paper was conceived having been introduced to performance art, becoming absorbed by it and believing in it’s potential for the architectural discipline. I saw the work of performance artists from the 50’s 60’s and 70’s as engaging in conceptual work which challenged ideas of the art object and process in the nowness of their events. In comparison architecture has been quite lacking in such development avoiding opportunities for intimate engagement and ephemerality. Although architects such as Cedric Price have explored impermanence in architecture this has largely appeared in response to functional and infrastructural conditions. Through this paper I will explore strands of a more conceptual theme; investigating how performance can contribute to an architectural intervention. Studying performance, I have ventured into art, perception and feminist theory as well as other artistic disciplines. Extracts and interpretations of theory, artistic references along with personal experiences have also been used for the purposes of this research paper. The references and examples are presented by categorizing four primary aspects of performance which have been identified, body, object, audience and permanence. Through out each section assertions have been made asking for a response to be made to architectural workings. The final stage of the paper uses this research to give an indicative direction with instructions and prospectus of an architectural discipline influenced by these aspects of performance.