Critical
!nfrastructure

By definition, a critical infrastructure is one that is crucial for the operation of society and the economy. If it is threatened, a crisis situation may arise. However, such situations undoubtedly accompany its planning and construction, which involve political negotiation, economic transfers and the distribution of human resources. The construction of infrastructure such as oil and gas pipelines or fibre-optic cable reflects the geopolitical situation of the time and influences the future, affecting the industrial production of the countries involved and the lives of many individuals, whether as experts or workers sent to remote foreign countries. Completed infrastructure then generates communities at the nodal points linked to its maintenance and operation. Infrastructure can be thought of as a network that “feeds” society, with society to some extent dependent upon this resource. This in turn renders infrastructure an instrument of power. Threatening the flow of “nutrients” from infrastructure becomes a stronger political argument than, for example, preventing human rights violations or maintaining peaceful relations. Despite its often robust physical form, when subjected to scrutiny critical infrastructure reveals itself to be a fragile tissue of interdependencies.

Critical !nfrastructures (C!) is the continual exploration of subtext in the built environment after Dark Cities Trilogy (2014-2017). C! is a research platform primary focus on visual exploration, with ambition to create greater synergy between professional architectural and personal research. And to expand the exploration from Dark Cities, towards tangible debates on ecology versus built environment.