Building Knowledge: Constructing Technoscientific Infrastructures

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Through an ethnographic analysis of the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom and drawing on a Science and Technology Studies (STS) inspired theoretical framework, this article explores architectural space as configured by sociotechnical infrastructures. In the context of the GEIC, by paying attention to the flows of University-employed engineers, prototyped technologies, gas pipes, cables and ventilation, the article illuminates how new spatial configurations emerge through the practices and processes of which the building becomes a part. Such an analysis, it will argue, allows attention to move away from a sole focus on visions of architects and clients or even the agency of users to modify their environment. Instead, the work proposes a fruitful area for future study, paying attention to the connections, components and flows which are modularly plugged into the building and the legacies of “knowledge” which they leave behind.

Original languageEnglish
JournalArchitectural Theory Review
Volume28
Issue number2
Early online date18 Apr 2024
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 18 Apr 2024

Keywords

  • Laboratory architecture
  • academic capitalism
  • infrastructure
  • modularity
  • science and technology studies

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Building Knowledge: Constructing Technoscientific Infrastructures'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this