Physical structures can hold contemplative space open against distraction
Evidence
In each, the artist creates a structure—whether that’s a map or a cordoned-off area (or even a lowly set of shelves!)—that holds open a contemplative space against the pressures of habit, familiarity, and distraction that constantly threaten to close it. This attention-holding architecture is something I frequently think about at the Rose Garden. … Architecturally, the Rose Garden wants you to stay awhile. — Jenny Odell, How to Do Nothing, 58
Categorization
- DEFINE: Defines ‘attention-holding architecture’ — the core mechanism by which Odell’s redirect-without-withdrawing model operates.
- XREF: connects to: Contemplation does not come before contraction but proceeds from it — Catherine Malabou, The Future of Hegel: Plasticity,…, 515; Art’s core function is holding open contemplative space against distraction. — The Friends of Attention, Attensity!: A Manifesto of the…, 375; Art can function as attention-holding architecture against distraction — Jenny Odell, How to Do Nothing: Resisting the…, 58 (+4 more)
- yield-rescued: below the book’s yield-target cutoff, included anyway for connecting to: Contemplation does not come before contraction but proceeds from it — Catherine Malabou, The Future of Hegel: Plasticity,…, 515; Art’s core function is holding open contemplative space against distraction. — The Friends of Attention, Attensity!: A Manifesto of the…, 375; Art can function as attention-holding architecture against distraction — Jenny Odell, How to Do Nothing: Resisting the…, 58 (+4 more)
Broader Connections
- Art’s core function is holding open contemplative space against distraction.
#expands(0.95) — The Friends of Attention, Attensity!, 375 - Art can function as attention-holding architecture against distraction
#expands(0.93) — Jenny Odell, How to Do Nothing, 58 - Instrumental observation fragments objects into measurable parts; contemplation surrenders to the whole image.
#complicates(0.72) — Rolf Wiggershaus, The Frankfurt School, 218