Reading Manovich

I thought Manovich explained the idea of Augmented Space quite well. To me, it seems like augmented space is everywhere, especially now a days; a physical space where data is brought into the picture and is customized by the user. He uses the example of a woman in physical space, while being on her PDA; she is out and about yet she is able to access data. This concept makes me think about my day, remembering back to my walks to and from school. As I think back I realize that on my walks I was on my cell phone the whole time, as were most people walking with or past me. Sure, I wasn’t looking at a screen, but I feel like this should also be a form of augmenting space. I am on the phone, still receiving data from the other end, and even though my “view” of my surroundings haven’t exactly changed, in a way I think it has. I don’t know about you, but when I’m on the phone with someone, I tend to not pay attention as much or look around at what my surroundings are.  Doesn’t that fit the definition of augmented space too??

Another thing this article got me to think about was whether or not this hurts the idea of architecture. I think before there were portable electronic devices/ communicative devices, people viewed architecture more. Of course, there are tons of people, now-a-days, who are interested in buildings and architecture, but I feel as if now, people take it for granted. Since the use of these devices, people walk and talk without noticing some beautiful building structures around them. It’s as if, the conversation they are having/ music they are listening to/ data on their blackberry screens is the main focus and the buildings are the backdrop for this incoming information. I want to say it’s sad, but is it really sad that people always want to be connected with others? (when talking about reading an email or having a conversation on the phone) I guess there is a time for everything, and maybe, once in a while, people need to unplug and take a look around them.