The “ephemeral architectures” as an example of play and re-invention in shared processes of creative knowledge

Abstract

Referring to the epistemological upheaval occurred during the last century, the authors intend the words “play” and “playing” as a way of knowledge and experience whereby “a thing cannot be just only one thing”. “Playing” is also intended as “re-inventing”, which requires and guarantees one to be in touch with the most real aspects of one’s Self. In the history of architecture and design, there are many examples of “playing with buildings”; among them, a special role is played by the so-called “ephemeral architectures”; the “Middle Age Borough” in Turin is described as a short case-study. The paper concludes with a reflection on some conditions that guarantee a good quality of playing.