Hertzian Space

Definition

"Whereas 'cyberspace' is a metaphor that spatialises what happens in computers distributed around the world, hertzian space is actual and physical even though our senses detect only a tiny part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Images of footprint's of satellite TV transmissions in relation to the surface of the earth, and computer models showing cellular phone propagation in relation to urban environments, reveal that hertzian space is not isotropic but has an 'electroclimate' defined by wavelength, frequency and field strength. Interaction with the natural and artificial landscape creates a hybrid landscape of shadows, reflections, and hot points".

All of the electronic devices that are produced and sold to us, by their very existence, participate in our culture. Many of them are designed to be interactive, and we engage with them on a daily basis. Some of these devices, such as computers, video games and personal digital assistants, are explicit in their interactivity. However, even devices like electric coffee pots, remote controls and radios are interactive, in the sense that we use them and they affect us".

"In Hertzian Tales, author Anthony Dunne extends the physical interactivity between device and person into an architecture he calls “Hertzian Space.” This space encompasses not only the form and function of a device, but also how people react and relate to it. In a sense, Hertzian space is a holistic view of the electronic device and its cultural interactions. Dunne and Raby describe this “electro-climate,” inhabited by humans and electronic machines, as the interface between electromagnetic waves and human experiences: “Hertzian space describes what happens in front of the screen, outside of the object, it is part of the space our bodies inhabit, even though our senses detect only a tiny part of it”. Visible lights are part of Hertzian space, as are radios, medical X-rays, televisions and UV tanning lamps. Although we cannot sense much of this space (other than visible light of course), the authors claim that we are affected by it, both physically and psychologically.

Dunne and Raby believe that increased awareness of Hertzian space will assist our design practices. They believe that we are only beginning to understand its effects and consequences, and that “it is an environment that must be fully understood if it is to be made habitable’’.

"Unfortunately, many manufacturers of electronic products do not consider Hertzian space as an important element in their design process compared to, say, the technical specifications or manufacture costs. As a result, the environment enclosing both device and user is unbalanced. Media theorist Marshall McLuhan describes this cause and effect specifically in regards to electronic media2 that have been forced into a social system without any regard for social convention:"

“The new media and technologies by which we amplify and extend ourselves constitute huge collective surgery carried out on the social body with complete disregard for antiseptics. If the operations are needed, the inevitability of infecting the whole system during the operation has to be considered. For in operating on society with a new technology, it is not the incised area that is most affected. ...It is the entire system that is changed”.

We see clear examples of such ‘surgeries’ and ‘infections’ all the time, when new technologies are introduced at the pace of engineering without full consideration for their possible effects on society".