"potential performative effects"

Every cultural object has a determinant history (lineage) that can be definitively traced back to a singular physical item or artifact. Rahim argues that through contemporary techniques and a deconstruction of these finite lineages, new effects emerge when observed simultaneously over time.

Memes are copied forms of behavior that as passed down evolutionarily “through a non-genetic means, usually through imitation.” It is only through both variation and selection that lineages can produce new performative effects, because both are not self-replicating. According to Stephen J. Gould, these deviations allow for cultural change. Rahim methodically traces the evolution of a computer as an example to illustrate how lineages, memes, and ideas coincide to spontaneously create an artifact. As a nonlinear process, it can be analyzed but not replicated. And in order to extract meaning from both the artifact and the organizational processes from which the object originated, it cannot be viewed as a static entity. Rahim suggests a contextual (temporal) understanding of the object is necessary, and can only be accomplished via contemporary techniques.

‘Techniques,’ as defined, is “a way of carrying out a particular task.” Rahim integrates the noun through the article in a seemingly broad manner. His lack of specificity however, is directly related to how “digital” design should operate: loosely and perhaps without an agenda. Utilizing programs to achieve a final product (image, built work, drawing) negates the ability we have to use computational power to our advantage. It is a manner of recognizing that without the systems’ capabilities, many performative effects actualized in architecture would be either ineffective or impossible.

Another critical aspect of the readings is present in the first word of the title: the potential for lineages to produce these effects versus what is actualized. What does this mean in terms of architecture? Well, by using existing temporally dependent lineages and conditions and reconstituting them within a temporally independent software program, truly “new” performative effects emerge that cannot be conceived or imagined previously. Cool.