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Code and Clay: Data and Dirt Uncover the Materiality of Information

Gene Powell

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Published in Code And Clay Data And Dirt: Five Thousand Years Of Urban Media

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In an era where digital technologies dominate our lives, it's easy to assume that information exists solely in the ethereal realm of cyberspace. However, the groundbreaking book 'Code and Clay: Data and Dirt' challenges this notion, unveiling the deep and intricate relationship between the digital and the physical.

Code and Clay, Data and Dirt: Five Thousand Years of Urban Media

by Paul Lawrence Farber

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5274 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	288 pages

Written by renowned anthropologists Sarah Pink and Missy Van der Burg, 'Code and Clay' takes a fresh and innovative approach to understanding the nature of information. They argue that data is not merely abstract or immaterial but is profoundly shaped by the physical substances that store and transmit it.

The Materiality of Data

Pink and Van der Burg meticulously document how data is embedded in a wide range of tangible materials, from the silicon chips in our computers to the copper wires that connect them. They explain that the properties of these materials - their size, shape, and conductivity - influence the way data is processed, stored, and transmitted.

The book provides fascinating examples of the materiality of data. For instance, they discuss how the shape of a hard drive platter affects the speed at which data can be accessed and how the thickness of a fiber optic cable determines the distance over which data can be transmitted without distortion.

The Impact of Dirt on Digital Technologies

Another groundbreaking aspect of 'Code and Clay' is its exploration of the impact of dirt on digital technologies. Pink and Van der Burg show that dirt is not simply an annoyance but a powerful force that can disrupt and even destroy digital systems.

They describe how dust particles can interfere with the operation of computer chips and how moisture can cause electrical shorts. They also examine the challenges of deploying digital technologies in environments where dirt is prevalent, such as construction sites or developing countries.

The Interplay between Code and Clay

Throughout the book, Pink and Van der Burg emphasize the dynamic interplay between code and clay. They argue that code, which represents the logical and abstract aspects of information, is inextricably linked to the physical materials that embody it.

They use the metaphor of a "code-clay dialectic" to describe this relationship, showing how code and clay constantly interact and shape each other. This dialectic, they argue, is essential for understanding the full complexity of contemporary information technologies.

Implications for the Digital Age

'Code and Clay: Data and Dirt' has profound implications for our understanding of the digital age and its impact on society. By revealing the materiality of information, the book challenges the notion that digital technologies are inherently immaterial or disembodied.

It forces us to confront the environmental and social costs associated with our reliance on digital technologies. It also raises important questions about the future of information and the role of physical substances in the digital realm.

'Code and Clay: Data and Dirt' is a groundbreaking and thought-provoking book that sheds new light on the fundamental nature of information. By uncovering the materiality of data and exploring the impact of dirt on digital technologies, it provides a fresh and innovative perspective on the digital age and its implications for society.

Whether you're a scholar, a technologist, or simply someone who is curious about the world around you, 'Code and Clay: Data and Dirt' is a must-read that will challenge your assumptions and expand your understanding of the relationship between the digital and the physical.

The Cover Of The Book 'Code And Clay: Data And Dirt' By Sarah Pink And Missy Van Der Burg. Code And Clay Data And Dirt: Five Thousand Years Of Urban Media