The Network Society - University of Massachusetts Amherst

326 The Network Society
10. RFID (radio frequency identification) tags
11. MEMS
12. DNA fingerprinting
13. Air bags
14. ATM
15. Advanced batteries
16. Hybrid car
17. OLEDs
18. Display panels
19. HD TV
20. Space shuttle
21. Nanotechnology
22. Flash memory
23. Voice mail
24. Modern hearing aids
25. Short range, high frequency radio
Notice that most make practical use, in some particular context, of
digital information and inexpensive, miniaturized electronics. Notice,
as well, the mutual interdependencies. The Internet needed the personal
computer, and the personal computer needed the Internet.
Email needed both.
The emergence of fusion space
From an architect’s perspective, new technologies often provide
new ways of adding value to architectural space. The electric light, for
example, made rooms more versatile and valuable at night. The technologies
of the network society are no exception. In general, they are
producing fusion space—architectural space in which digital electronic
technology enables new and socially valuable combinations of
people or activities. Here are some examples.
These days, the seminar rooms at MIT fuse the hitherto distinct
activities of group discussion and Web surfing. The students bring
their wireless laptop computers to class. Whenever I introduce a
topic, somebody Googles it—and then interjects any relevant discoveries
back into the conversation. This radically changes the social and
intellectual dynamic in the space. It produces a very high level of
intellectual engagement, it generates a thrilling, high-speed, vividly