An Te Liu

b. 1967, Taiwan

Good hygiene is important.

Cloud is comprised of domestic air-purification appliances produced and consumed around the world over the last decade. They wash, filter, ionise, ozone-ise and sterilise our air space, separating us from bacteria, allergens, germs, spores, dust and other bad things. Armada-like clusters converge to create a floating polis, perhaps of the future, but also recall visions of futures past.

In the early twentieth century, ideas about cleanliness and healthy living were influential in the development of modern architecture and urbanism. They were connected to the call for sunlight, greenery, fresh air and spacious expanses free of congestion. Rhetoric about hygiene would resonate psychologically and translate visually in the creation of new, pure forms. Some time later, Reyner Banham made a provocative suggestion. Why have buildings at all? The increasing sophistication of our environmental technologies will allow us to survive fine without traditional forms of shelter. We could live in completely controlled environment-bubbles, with all our needs met by an array of systems and devices. These days, we still live in our houses, finding ways to feel at home.

What will our new brave world be like? Clean, at least.

(Text: reading the city catalogue, 2009)