ParaSites: initial report and research context

The ongoing, practice-led research project ParaSites explores the potential of using behaviours and strategies of parasites as a model for sculptural propositions in the built environment and investigates how these interventions might resonate with architectural, urban, historical and socio-cultural issues. We treat the term parasitism both literally and metaphorically, and are particularly inspired by Michel Serres’ philosophical writing "The Parasite" (2007). Considering its different significations in French language (biological, social, static/noise), Serres uses the parasite to extrapolate ideas about human relations, society, history and communication while emphasising its destabilising and transformative powers. With this in mind, we are keen to explore the potential of using the polysemic notion of the parasite as an integrated conceptual framework and methodological tool to feed new sculptural interventions, and to investigate their impact on our relationship with the built environment (sonic, visual, structural, historical, ecological, symbolic and socio-cultural). "ParaSites: Initial Report and Research Context" presents a preliminary artistic intervention at a dilapidated edifice in Paris which has initiated this ongoing research. This is followed by a brief discussion of the methodological framework that has evolved from this, originally rather intuitive, practical investigation. The second part of this paper provides an overview of the research context, ranging from artistic and architectural explorations of site-specificity to socially engaged projects.