(H)our Time

Earlier this year, I took a seminar called Space, Experience, and Architecture, which was focused on spatial theory. That is to say, I studied how individuals affect and are affected by built environments. It was truly fascinating, not least because I had never given much thought to the subject. I am, after all, fortunate enough to be a straight, white, middle-class man — I go where I want, when I want!

Part of the course was a one-hour spatial residency, during which my peers and I would interact with a chosen space for the duration of one hour. We would attempt to highlight or test some spatial theory, specific to that space. Our efforts were to be commemorated in a small publication, which was to have an public launch. 

To ensure that these items proceeded as planned, my classmates were each given a task (like social media presence, launch coordinator, etc). My professor then paused as she admitted that she had a particular person in mind for the final role — "Captain". Unsurprisingly, I was to be that captain. The main perk of my job was jokingly referring to myself as "The Captain" — something which helped break the ice with my peers. People like a leader with a good sense of humour. Basically, my job was to keep dialogs open between the members of my team, and to ensure deadlines were respected. It was usually easy, because I had a great team. But on one occasion, I had to flex my muscles more that I would have liked. 

It came to my attention that one member of the team, whom I refer to as Jim, had not volunteered for any task. I therefore assigned him to publicity design. All he had to do was to make a poster which advertised the upcoming One Hour Spatial Residency. Jim had about a week to do this. Although I frequently touched base to ensure he was on track, and to ask if he required any assistance, he made no indication that there were any issues. Now, I had not been thitherto impressed by Jim's contributions to the class, but teamwork is built on solidarity and trust. 

Unfortunately, day after day, despite his promises, Jim failed to deliver. His deadline was generous, which meant that it was not catastrophic that he was late, but it was the principle of the thing. Moreover, his failure to deliver was ultimately my failure to deliver. I was on very good terms with my professor, but Jim made me look like an incapable leader on that occasion, because I had no leverage. It's not like I could fire my classmate. 

When Jim finally did submit his work, it was completely unacceptable. The design was irrelevant and the text was hard to read. My professor and I sat down and did what any leader should do. I backed Jim up. My job was not to micromanage. However, I also indicated that if my professor thought it prudent, I would draw up a alternative. She approved of this idea, not being a fan of Jim or his work, either. That is how the above poster came to be. 

Knowing Montreal's Maison de l'Architecture du Québec (our chosen venue) to prefer simplicity, I opted for an ultra-minimal design. I also thought my play on words of (H)our Time to be quite clever. Ultimately, my design wasn't selected either, but it did form the basis for the final one, designed by my professor and the MAQ.

The poster measures 15" x 20" and was completed March 20, 2015. It currently exists only as a digital file.