That which is positioned in space or time participates in architecture. We can see architecture as a set of relationships. For example, in the development of an embryo, from a single cell that divides, each one positions itself about the others, adopts a shape, and takes on a role. A head does not develop like a hand and yet, in the embryonic mass, only the relative position distinguished these cells and, from this position, some parts of the genetic code activate and others inhibit.
Family, hierarchical, social structures hold because positions and roles are recognized and developed. Education plays a full part in this, whether informal or institutionalized. A cultural or social function requires a certain behavior and one trains for the function in question. One can choose one's profession, become an artist or an accountant, a programmer, or remain on the lookout for new opportunities, but in all cases, a set of considerations forms a real architecture of relationships. Those who want to break through glass ceilings or walls of prejudice are well aware of these invisible architectures.
Some components of these architectures have unsuspected significance. For example, determining that "exams are in June" makes everything else in the educational organization respond to that deadline. Simply changing the formula seems like a revolution. The "systemic" is very present and often acts as strongly as if it were material like a filter or a wall. It can be as helpful as it can be a hindrance and complicate our lives.
Many of the "implicit" can be seen as conventions. Saying hello to the teacher, putting a title to your email; many are real "nudges", discreet constraints, like MacDonald's chairs: after 20 minutes, you leave. Some administrations discriminate against women, immigrants, or anything that doesn't fit a certain idea of their mission, without even realizing it. Artificial intelligence algorithms are the ultimate expression of this. We feed the beast with our considerations and then wonder at the results.
We maintain a lot of invisible architectures based on outdated models, especially in education. We can change some and do better, for the better.
Denys Lamontagne - [email protected]
Illustration: Pexels -Pixabay
