THE SHOCK OF THE OLD

When I see an architect’s office, I can’t resist looking in the window. And I always see analogue drawings scattered across desktops. There are usually computer generated representational color images on the walls. But on the desks, there are pieces of paper with pencil lines.

I just finished reading The Shock of the Old by David Edgerton. The basic premise of the book is that as we celebrate new technologies, we loose focus on older technologies that still contribute and are useful.

In one example out of hundreds, we are taught to believe that Germany’s invasion of the Soviet Union was all machinery; fast Panzer tanks; everything mechanized. Yet they point out that this invasion would not have been possible without horses. Horses were used to bring supplies from railheads to the front.  They state that 625,000 horses participated in the invasion at the beginning, and as it progressed, more were acquired as territory was conquered.    p35.

Another that they make is how we measure the GDP, or production, of a nation.  We are taught that the productivity of a nation is measured in technological output;  how many new cars are made and how many new computers are produced.  They make the point that during the industrial revolution, household production, which typically involved food, cleanliness, clothes; using old technologies, is completely forgotten.  So while a nation could not function without household production, we only measure more spectacular technological production.  p53.

And while they did not mention drawing, I will.  If they would have mentioned the technology of drawing, it would go something like this.  We celebrate and teach how wonderful computer generated images are.  We talk constantly about how digital technology has transformed the architect’s office into something with great productivity.  And we forget about the power of old technology, analogue drawing.  Yet is it something that we cannot do without.  We don’t even think about the productivity of analogue drawing.  Yet the modern office could not function without it.

The Shock of the Old emphasizes that it is the use, and not invention/innovation, which defines the importance of the technology.   Can you imagine anything more useful than picking up a pencil and and noting your ideas on a piece of paper?

1.  Edgerton, David. The Shock of the Old, Technology and Global History since 1900. Oxford University Press; New York. 2007.