01 / Primitive Humans in Cities
The primary reason for human consciousness to have a specific focus is rooted in the matter of survival. In primitive times, precise observation beyond the landscape's horizon was crucial for human survival. This directional focus continues in today’s urban environment. However, the *intentionality of modern consciousness differs significantly from that of our primitive ancestors. This distinction arises from the vast differences between today's urban environment and the natural settings of early humans. In contemporary society, human consciousness extends beyond mere survival considerations, navigating complex dimensions. The catalyst for this expanded journey is the diverse media available today. These various media forms play a crucial role in shaping and directing our consciousness, aiding our adaptation to the intricate dynamics of the modern world.
* It. is derived from the Phenomenology of E. Husserl.
02 / The Journey of Consciousness
Media, as viewed through the lens of communication science, is conventionally seen as a conveyor of messages from sender to receiver. However, considering human consciousness, it takes on the role of an "attractor," guiding consciousness towards specific points. Take, for instance, an image of Earth captured from a space station; beyond conveying the visual of a blue, round planet, it acts as an attractor, prompting awareness of Earth's existence. In today's predominantly media- supported urban environment, where many reside, consciousness is continually drawn towards various stimuli countless times each day. This ongoing journey of consciousness is ceaseless, demonstrating the influential role media plays in shaping and directing our awareness.
03 / The City as Media-Scape
I have coined the term "*Media Scape" to describe the modern urban environment, a stark departure from the natural landscapes where primitive humans once dwelled. In this context, every element in a city functions as a form of media. For instance, artificial street-side trees can guide our consciousness toward the existence of real trees in nature. Likewise, well-preserved historical buildings prompt reflection on actual historical events or political ideologies tied to heritage preservation. Signages navigate us to intricate social systems, and pictures and videos transport our consciousness into dynamic cultural dimensions. This means that, essentially, the survival of urban dwellers, encompassing biological, social, and cultural aspects, hinges on the direction of consciousness. During the journey of consciousness, the urban human collects various information necessary for living: staying or moving and working or playing.
* The reason for using the word "scape" instead of the word "environment" is that it represents the intentionality of human consciousness in a better manner.
04 / The Ideal Toward Media-Scape
In the near future, Media Scape and "*Hypermedia" will merge, offering a groundbreaking experience for our consciousness. This new Media Scape, fueled by Hypermedia, promises an unprecedented adventure. Similar to the transformative impact of modern transportation like railroads and aircraft on mobility, the emergence of this highly interconnected media environment will bring substantial changes. A clear illustration of this shift is observable in individuals commuting in subways, seamlessly transferring their consciousness to respective destinations via smartphones. In today's society, human consciousness travels faster, easier, and farther than ever before. Hence, the integration of Hypermedia into the urban environment is poised to provide unrestricted freedom to individual consciousness, ushering in an unprecedented era for the dynamic of Media Scape.
However, achieving the realization of Hypermedia's Media Scape is a considerable challenge. Many aspects remain to be uncovered: the physical prerequisites for integrating Hypermedia into the urban environment, the optimal dynamics between individuals and urban media, and the economic and cultural implications stemming from this integration. In this context, we find ourselves akin to Columbus, standing on the threshold of a new era full of possibilities. This is a moment urging us to explore into the unknown territory.
* Hypermedia is a kind of meta-media itself or the relationship caused by it, which allows people to contact or utilize diverse nonlinear media as their specific needs. This concept builds upon Ted Nelson's original idea from the 1960s, bringing it into a contemporary perspective. Commonly used smartphones and their internal mechanisms connecting diverse media shows a practical example of Hypermedia.
05 / The Return of City Travelers
At the conclusion of this exploration, we encounter the ultimate consciousness within an individual's inner self — the "Self-Consciousness" that synthesizes all external awareness. One's self- consciousness assigns meaning to outer consciousness and serves as a self-regulating observer. For instance, the desire to acquire the latest iPhone is fueled by an individual's self-consciousness, guiding them to envision themselves using the device. Besides, Hypermedia not only allows people to super-connect but also intensifies personalization stronger than ever. This occurs due to super-connection that can only be achieved as an individual, not as a group member. As a result, Hypermedia enhances one's self-consciousness much stronger. Through Hypermedia, nomadic individuals can set a virtual space within themselves, consolidating fragmented experiences from the Media Scape. In essence, this repetitive journey of consciousness and continual return to one's inner self define the existence of city-dwelling humans.
Epilogue
My understanding of 'the journey of consciousness exploring Media-Scape' is influenced by various pioneering theories. This concept, viewing the urban environment as a complex media or 'Media-Scape', and the idea of consciousness traversing this media, draws from the Phenomenology of Edmund Husserl and the Mythologies of Roland Barthes. Husserl’s theory posited that consciousness is itinerant, constantly moving towards something - a concept known as the 'Intentionality of Consciousness'. Barthes taught me that consciousness can instantly discern the underlying meanings or essences of any signs. The 'media' emphasized in my proposal aligns with Barthes' concept of 'Myth' in its ability to attract human consciousness.
Moreover, the perspective of Evolutionary Psychology, which views contemporary humans as primitive beings living in urban settings, and the insights of Dr. Viktor Frankl, who saw humans as seekers of life’s meaning, have shaped my concept of humans exploring their environment for survival. Alfred North Whitehead’s Process Philosophy, which suggests that an individual’s perception is a condition for existence, also informed my understanding. This led me to an interpretation of Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari’s concept of nomadism, moving towards creative existence without succumbing to destructive dismantling. Michel Foucault’s notion of surveillance has evolved into self-monitoring, where individuals regulate themselves.
The media philosophies of Marshall McLuhan and Vilém Flusser, along with various communication theories, have informed my understanding of the process and significance of human information acquisition through media. In particular, Flusser's theory of Communicology proposes that media can strengthen connections between increasingly personalized subjects, establishing a view on Hypermedia’s super-connectivity and individual isolation. The existential status of Hypermedia's virtual landscapes is contingent upon Jean Baudrillard's theory.
Finally, my practical concerns about 'designing' the physical conditions of the urban environment stem from my experience as a designer and researcher. Working at an exhibition design company, I contemplated guiding visitors' consciousness in a specific direction within a controlled environment. The various media that constitute the exhibition space direct visitors' consciousness and convey specific narratives. Similarly, diverse media integrated within cities guide residents' consciousness in specific directions. The city, merged with Hypermedia, will further facilitate this journey, which, as mentioned, is directly linked to the survival of urban residents. Therefore, designing the form of the city that will integrate with Hypermedia is both necessary and intriguing.