EDITORIAL

Information plays a pivotal role in the conformation of our society. It acts as a filter on the way we perceive reality which simultaneously shapes the way we receive information itself. In this constant change of focus between perception and information vastly different kinds of truths emerge, often incompatible with one another depending on what we consciously or unconsciously perceive and take as factual.

As much as this has been a constant throughout history, paradoxically in recent years the polarization of truth coincides with an ever-growing fan of information that is overwhelmingly present in the everyday life. As a consequence, in the increasing complexity and abstractness of the economic and social structures, the large amount of information available oscillates between fiction and reality, blurring the limits that defines them.

Architecture is neither alien to this condition nor only directly relates to it but thrives on it. From the genesis of architecture fiction is a key component in its constitution, not being necessarily in opposition with reality, but rather complementary and necessary in the process of any project.  Under this perspective neither a negative nor positive connotation could be placed on either fiction or reality, as long as they are relevant for the architectural discipline. It is in their transcendence that, independently from their factual status, a certain event, person or building becomes significant.

With twelve case studies that range widely in time, geography and culture, CARTHA’s first issue on The Limits of Fiction in Architecture, engages on a discussion on the influence of fiction in the creation of architectural paradigms. Through different formats such as essay, short story or poem, the issue emcompasses varied approaches to the discussion, going from the religious idealism of XVI century Spain to the foundational elements of modern architecture;  passing by Piranesi’s drawings and intellectual agenda; enquiring Eisenmann’s architectural practice; envisioning  fictional cities against tourism and reconfiguring real estate literature; among others case studies about fiction and reality in architecture. The case study format aims to facilitate a clear reading across the issue and establishes a instrument to navigate through this expansive topic.

The issue is built up exclusively by texts without any visual content, to try freeing itself from the conventions and plays of codes that an image may convey. However, the infinite possibilities of images will be explored in the upcoming issue, which will consist uniquely of visual contributions, complementing and expanding on this first one.

The Limits of Fiction in Architecture – The Text Issue marks the beginning of the 2017 cycle in a moment when certainty is scarce not only in architecture but in the overall public discourse. It is precisely in this lack of certainty where the importance of approaching fiction lays , especially in a discipline that is commonly known for dealing with the realness of materiality.