The Architecture of Boundaries: “The fascination of boundaries lies in their ambivalent role of dividing and connecting at the same time. They mark the transition between different modes of existence. They transmit and control exchange between territories. They are the playground for discovery and conquest." —Richter and Peitgen (1985)
Beyond the ‘Self’, we are inherently a part of ‘collectives’ such as a family, a community, a city, a village, a country, a culture, an ethos, and the universe. In the natural course of life we become aware about the geographical edges and social boundaries such as language, culture, religion and economy that segregate Us from Them. And yet we feel connected to these various 'collectives’ almost simultaneously.
To feel connected we learn about other cultures, art, languages, share ideas, do trade, or just come together and celebrate. The transitory events such as family rituals, work, education, festivals, recreation, public events, journeys, pilgrimages are the means through which we constantly traverse from one domain to the other. In today’s world the digital media has made this transition through the boundaries a lot quicker.
