(W)HOLE
A cooperative world-building exercise unveiling the hidden life of digital infrastructures
(W)HOLE is a transmedia project unfolding as a hybrid exploration through augmented reality, 3D sculpting, photogrammetry, soundscaping, and collaborative storytelling. Taking manhole covers as both symbol and starting point, the project is a powerful reminder that every technology currently in use conceals a complex, invisible network beneath.
The project unfolds digital infrastructures into six spheres of action, or layers, each describing a different facet of the technological stack: Earth, Cloud, City, Address, Interface, and User.
A dedicated website extends the project through an interactive map of the manholes, while an online repository gathers tools, articles, and initiatives related to open and participatory digital infrastructures.
HOW DOES THE (W)HOLE PROJECT WORK?
The (W)HOLE project begins in Zurich, but is meant to travel across many cities and locations. For now, if you are in Zurich, we invite you to visit the six locations on the map. If you’re not in Zurich, we hope to reach your city soon! In the meantime, you can explore the symbolism behind the six worlds through The (W)HOLE Atlas, and write to us to contribute to the (W)HOLE Repository.
We hope that this curatorial work can also serve as inspiration and support for your own initiatives.
