mnemonic detail by Adam Bell

mnemonic detail the transcendental tie to the ‘surrogate reality’ of the gentlemen’s club

Adam Bell

mnemonic detail the transcendental tie to the ‘surrogate reality’ of the gentlemen’s club

Adam Bell 000445687-4 Diploma in Architecture School of Architecture and Landscape University of Greenwich 2014 ARCT-1060: Architectural Thesis Thesis Tutors: Mark Garcia Jonathan Hagos Design Unit: Unit 16

Contents

Pages

Contents

4-5

Abstract

6 - 15 16 - 43

Research and Methodology Statement 01 -

Physical Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club

Clubland Inter-Club Rivalries Conspicuous Consumption Boodles Mnemonic Detail 01: Two Faced Clock The Oriental Club Mnemonic Detail 02: The Oriental Club Library The Commonwealth Club Mnemonic Detail 03: The Empire Clock 44 - 61

02 -

Immersive Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club

Mnemotechnics Memory Theatres The Realm of Objective Fact Surrogate Reality Indifference to Time Continua of the Surrogate Reality 62 - 79

03 -

Synthesis

Current Mnemonic Detail Defused Mnemonic Detail Fusion of Observational Gaze ‘Trans-Species’ Mnemonic Detail The Restored Commonwealth Club, Door Push Plate The Restored Commonwealth Club, Library Window

80 - 87

Conclusion

88 - 91

Bibliography

92 -103

Appendix

104 - 109

List of Figures 3

Abstract

Abstract The Gentlemen’s Clubs of London have developed spaces and details that ‘differentiate between men and women through forms of patriarchy and furthermore men from other men through fratriachy’.1 The paper aims to focus on the details, artefacts and collections and their relationship to members of specifically selected clubs: Boodles, The Oriental Club and The Commonwealth Club. A key interest is how the architectural details can orchestrate discussions, reinforce the ideology and ensure the existence of the club. Architectural details are commonly associated with points that address junctions that are specific to sites and schemes, the details ensure the construction of the larger piece and or scheme.‘Today, our details tend to exist solely for the service of the whole structure, and become inherent particles of the whole structure ... So much so that the details often fuse completely with the greater architectural form to point where it’s difficult to separate them.’2 This proposes the question, does the architectural detail enforce the aspirations of the polemical stance of the specific site, client, brief and the case of this thesis the aspirations of the club?

Figure 01 Reading room looking into the Library of the Oriental Club 27.10.2012 Photograph: Adam Bell 1 2 3 4

Rendell, J. (1999), The Clubs of St James’s: Places of Public Patriarchy, Exclusivity, Domesticity and Secrecy - The Journal of Architecture. p.277 Ford, E.R. (2011), The Architectural Detail. Princeton Architectural Press. Princeton, Breuer,M. (1964) p.20 Ford, E.R. (2009), Five Houses, Ten Details. Princeton Architectural Press. Princeton p.6 Ford, E.R. (2011), The Architectural Detail. Princeton Architectural Press. Princeton p.18

The use of details is part of an ongoing discussion. At times claimed to be a ‘fetish’3 by architects such as Greg Lynn, Peter Cook and Zaha Hadid, others have made attempts to define the detail ‘: the detail as abstraction, the detail as motif, the detail as structural representation, the detail as joint, and the detail as an autonomous or subversive element.’4. The paper proposes to study the reliance on detail within the Gentlemen’s club. In the case of this thesis the mnemonic detail refers to artefacts that have been collected and the architectural detail that has been commissioned to both the external and internal areas of the club house which have a transcendental tie to the formation, affiliation and aspiration of the selected club. The relationships of the architectural detail to the junctions are fundamental to achieve the completion of the proposed scheme. The relationships of the mnemonic detail to the members are fundamental to establish, maintain and enhance the club.

Research and Methodology Statement

Figure 02 Back of house: Oriental Club 27.10.2012 Photograph: Adam Bell 5 Rendell, J. (1999), The Clubs of St James’s: Places of Public Patriarchy, Exclusivity, Domesticity and Secrecy - The Journal of Architecture. p.278 6 Rendell, J. (1999), The Clubs of St James’s: Places of Public Patriarchy, Exclusivity, Domesticity and Secrecy - The Journal of Architecture. p.279 7 Evolution of The Commonwealth Club: Colonial Society 1870-1869 Royal Colonial Society 1869 Royal Colonial Institute 1870-1939 Royal Empire Society 1939-1958 Royal Commonwealth Society 1958-present Closure of The Commonwealth Club 2013

The relationship between the members of a club could be seen as ‘fraternal’, while the relationship of the proprietor (owner and/or manager) and that of the members to the servants could be considered ‘patriarchal’ or hierarchical, this is due to the ‘dominant role of the members and the subservient role of servants’5, this is displayed by the spatial organisation of the club. The clubs also enforce rules regulating the social relationships between ‘occupants of the club, members and servants, proprietor and members, strangers and members’6. The regulation of the clubs mean that certain groups of people meet at particular times in certain places for specific activities. The selected clubs consist/ed 7 of spaces that are detailed to have an affect on the members, imposing the club’s ideology, revealing political affiliations and igniting topics of discussion. 7

Research and Methodology Statement

The starting point is Clubland, St. James’. A central district within the City of Westminster and home to many of London’s most prestigious Gentlemen’s clubs. The study will focus on a number of clubs including Boodles, The Oriental Club and The Commonwealth Club. The thesis aims to focus on specific mnemonic details (artefacts and collections). First, taking into account the protocols that currently exist and how the spaces that hold the specific discussions with certain groups at allocated times have an impact on each of the members and also how the spaces/details have an impact on the discussions and the selected clubs. The paper is structured to fall within the range of observation. This goes from the overview of Clubland, St. James’ through to the mnemonic detail of an object, such as the Empire Clock of the Commonwealth Club, mnemonic detail 03 - Figure 19.8 The selection of mnemonic details will be from a range of clubs and a number of realms occupied by these clubs. The structure will also take into account two of the realms occupied by the clubs, these being the Physical and Immersive and how the realms interact and influences one another. Physical Realm: The physical site of the club usually the point of origin or the site of re-incarnation 9 of the club. Filled with artefacts that have a direct link to the foundations of the institution. Figure 03 Empire Clock drawings: The Royal Commonwealth Society 27.10.2012 Photograph: Adam Bell 8 Empire Clock: only significant mnemonic detail that embodies the original aspirations of the Colonial Society whilst occupying The Commonwealth Club. 9 Evolution of The Commonwealth Club: Colonial Society 1870-1869 Royal Colonial Society 1869 Royal Colonial Institute 1870-1939 Royal Empire Society 1939-1958 Royal Commonwealth Society 1958-present Closure of The Commonwealth Club 2013 10 Yates, F. (1992), The Art of Memory. p.2 11 Yates, F. (1992), The Art of Memory. p.3

Immersive Realm: The Physical Realm acts as the ‘mnemonic of places and images (loci and imagines)’10, a platform to trigger discussions that orchestrate the Immersive Realm formulated by a collective of members. ‘The first step was to imprint on the memory a series of loci or places. The commonest, though not the only, type of mnemonic place system used was the architectural type.’11 The members use the artefacts as their series of loci to remember significant events whilst collaborating to create new events. 9

Research and Methodology Statement

Physical Realm A key interest of the thesis is the effects of the growth and decline of clubs 12 on the mnemonic details and in turn these effects transcending through to the members. Figure 04 Aerial Photograph - St. James’ Square Photograph: Jason Hawkes Source: stock.jasonhawkes.com/media/f01b42c0-33ad11e1-8314-fb97ef9c0eaa-aerial-view-over-st-james-ssquare-and-green-park-london Figure 05 Piano performance preparation: Oriental Club 27.10.2012 Photograph: Adam Bell 12 Evolution of The Commonwealth Club: Colonial Society 1870-1869 Royal Colonial Society 1869 Royal Colonial Institute 1870-1939 Royal Empire Society 1939-1958 Royal Commonwealth Society 1958-present Closure of The Commonwealth Club 2013

It could be argued that these mnemonic details have been sexualised, first of all being located within Gentlemen’s clubs, observed in a male gaze, making the point of observation female. These mnemonic details are at times items of desire, collected and claimed a man’s possession. There are also scenarios in which the mnemonic details of desire are targets for the members to aim for, the ambitions of the club are truly embedded within these details such as the two faced clock within Boodles, mnemonic detail 01 - Figure 13. The spaces, collections and details are also observed in the collective gaze of the club. They are not seen from a single point they are studied at multiple angles producing numerous accounts that enhance the original detail. This is the initial step from the Physical Realm to the Immersive Realm. The collective gaze of the club is a key feature when researching the various realms and how the gaze alters depending on the platform the club wishes to present itself. 11

Research and Methodology Statement

Immersive Realm The paper aims to investigate the development of the Immersive Realm that derives from mnemonic details. The discussions of the collective members revolve around these loci, adapting techniques originally used to memorise long speeches. ‘In order to form a series of places in memory, he says, a building is to be remembered, as spacious and varied a one as possible, the forecourt, the living room, bedrooms, and parlours, not omitting statues and other ornaments with which the rooms are decorated.’13 ‘This done, as soon as the memory of the facts requires to be revived, all these places are visited in turn and the various deposits demanded of their custodians.’14 The mnemonic details are observed in the collective gaze, each member adding multiple aspects to the discussion which in turn develops an Immersive Realm. A study undertaken by Aldous Huxley is of interest due to his temporary altered perception of details, resulting in the formation of Paracosms 15. The imaginary worlds are ‘personal creative laboratories’ and usually singular in perception and possession, while the Immersive Realm of the club is a collective ‘creative laboratory’.

Figure 06 ‘The Birth of Venus’ Artist: Sandro Botticelli 1486 upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/14/Birth_ of_Venus_Botticelli.jpg 13 Yates, F. (1992), The Art of Memory. p.3 14 Yates, F. (1992), The Art of Memory. p.3 15 Morris,M. (2013), Future Cities 2: Other Worlds - Paracosmic Overture. p.13 ‘Paracosm is a neologism from the 1970s, used to describe a detailed and consistently imaginary world with its own geography, weather, customs and even language. By definition, a paracosm originates in childhood fantasy and persists into adulthood as a personal creative laboratory. It can be fantastic or based largely on reality.’ 16 Huxley, A. (1954), Doors of Perception. p.9 17 Huxley, A. (1954), Doors of Perception. p.9 18 Garcia,M. (2010), The Diagrams of Architecture Spiller, N., Spatial Notation and the Magical Operations of Collage in the Post-Digital Age. p.179

Huxley details his experiences whilst taking the drug mescaline, known for its hallucinogenic effects similar to those of LSD. Huxley documented that his focus altered following the consumption of the drug, he was not interested in pieces of art, he briefly discusses ‘The Birth of Venus’ Figure 06, noting that he was fascinated by the silk and the ‘long wind-blown skirts.’16 This continues in his recordings, gazing in fascination at objects in which he saw alternate spaces, such as the formation of a labyrinth within the folds of his trousers. ‘This was something I had seen before-seen that very morning, between the flowers and the furniture, when I looked down by chance, and went on passionately staring by choice, at my own crossed legs. Those folds in the trousers--what a labyrinth of endlessly significant complexity! And the texture of the grey flannel--how rich, how deeply, mysteriously sumptuous! And here they were again, in Botticelli’s picture.’17 The study will focus on the design of the clubs Immersive Realm in reference to the ‘7 Continua of Post-Digital Architecture in the early 21st Century’.18 13

Research and Methodology Statement

Synthesis The final part of the paper aims to analyse and make use of the research ranging from the mnemonic details of the selected clubs within the Physical Realm through to the formation of Immersive environments via the interactions of the mnemonic details.

Figure 07 Progress of Library - leading to Attlee Reading Room 02.2014 The Restored Commonwealth Club - Adam Bell 19

Rendell, J. (1999), The Clubs of St James’s: Places of Public Patriarchy, Exclusivity, Domesticity and Secrecy - The Journal of Architecture. p.277

The synthesis will look to the future mnemonic details of the club in which the members become the details. The Commonwealth Club was the first club to accept women as members in 1922. The Restored Commonwealth Club will alter the current ‘forms of patriarchy and...fratriachy’19, initiating post-human members/mnemonic details. This paper will originate from points that have been discussed in previous accounts of Gentlemen’s clubs, and will focus on specific junctions: mnemonic details and Physical/Immersive Realms and how these relationships can effect each other. This will reflect on the studies of selected existing clubs and the design of The Restored Commonwealth Club mnemonic details. 15

01 - Physical Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club

01 -

Physical Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club

01 - Physical Realm of the Gentlemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club

Clubland

Figure 08 Clubland site plan 11.2013 Adam Bell 19

01 - Physical Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club

Clubland Clubland, St. James’s, is a central district located within the City of Westminster. The district is the home of many of the established and best known Gentlemen’s clubs of London. The clubs shown in Figure 08 were and are often vicinities that have been remodeled or curated in a way that complies with the themes and origins that underpin the beliefs of the club. Numerous club origins and themes are firmly placed in the past, such as the Oriental Club. The Oriental Club’s origins span back to the East India Company which was once a strong force during the peak of the British Empire. The East India Company became a trading post to the Indian subcontinent. Figure 09 St. James’ Square 08.04.2009

The clubs were used as centres to discuss topics relating to a specific interest, creating a space for a forum of a common interest.

upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/33/St_ James%27s_Square%2C_London_-_April_2009.jpg

The clubhouses have now become nostalgic forums, remembering the past and the origins that Club’s foundations are built from. 21

01 - Physical Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club

Inter-Club Rivalries The clubs were originally ‘male-only spaces in the city defined by the specific exclusion of women. These regulations are not written into the Club rules, but form part of the Club tradition.’20. The series of unwritten rules govern the running of the club and the restriction of new members, originally only applicable to men. The restrictions regarding club membership did not only exclude women from applying but also other men. This was first established in the 18th Century and the early 19th Century, rules that concerned inter-club rivalries. ‘For example, members of Boodle’s could belong to all other Clubs except Arthur’s (White’s). Brook’s original rules forbade membership of any Club except ‘old’ Whites (this was repealed in 1722).’21 Through these inter-club rivalries the male identity was arranged following a series of codes of ‘exclusion and inclusion, distinction and emulation, through to patriarchal exclusion of all women to all Clubs and through the fraternal inclusion of specific men in certain Clubs.’22 Figure 10 Carlton Club: Painting of Margaret Thatcher Leonard Boden 02.05.2013 Photograph: tobybirch.com/wp-content/ uploads/2013/05/Margaret-Thatcher.jpg 20 21 22

Rendell, J. (2002), The Pursuit of Pleasure: Gender, Space and Architecture in Regency London. p.71 Rendell, J. (2002), The Pursuit of Pleasure: Gender, Space and Architecture in Regency London. p.71 Rendell, J. (2002), The Pursuit of Pleasure: Gender, Space and Architecture in Regency London. p.72

The club’s fraternities were usually defined by their political party allegiances. White’s and Brook’s were sites of political friction, the afore mentioned club welcomed Tories while the latter was the site for the opposition, the Whigs. These rivalries altered over time depending on the political parties in power and their opposition. The political shift went from the Tories and the Whigs to the Conservatives and the Liberals and their corresponding clubs, the Carlton club and the Reform. The clubs eventually became institutionalized becoming the headquarters of their respective political parties. 23

01 - Physical Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club

Conspicuous Consumption Boodle’s had a closer affiliation with a small region of England rather than a political group, particularly men from Shropshire. The clubhouse would be used as a public statement, depicting their political affiliation, origins and values. This was dependent on the form of architecture and at times the choice of architect. To be represented by a famous architect gave the club an elevated status. ‘For example, in disagreements over the architect and the date of the design of Boodle’s clubhouse, certain historians prefer to argue for Robert Adam’s involvement for reasons of prestige.’ ‘Although claims for John Soane have also been staked, Adam has also been suggested as the architect of the suite of five apartments on the second floor, consisting of an antechamber, a back drawing room, a dining room, an oval room, as well as the drawing room or salon with two adjoining side chamber.’23 ‘The old front door was replaced with a new window, the famous ‘Bow Window at White’s’, which was built out over the entrance steps creating a new focal point to the St. James’s Street elevation. The bow window provided a place for viewing the street, but also allowed the occupants of the Club to display their ‘conspicuous consumption’ or their dress and leisure time to the public.’24 Figure 11 White’s Bow Window - Front elevation detail pinterest.com - media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x /9e/9e/cd/9e9ecdd1ca7857b638fb38bba185ab16.jpg 23 24 25

Rendell, J. (2002), The Pursuit of Pleasure: Gender, Space and Architecture in Regency London. p.72 Rendell, J. (2002), The Pursuit of Pleasure: Gender, Space and Architecture in Regency London. p.74 Rendell, J. (2002), The Pursuit of Pleasure: Gender, Space and Architecture in Regency London. p.73

The formation of public masculinity imposed on the public following the alterations to the clubhouses that reflect their individual views and affiliations required a combination of patriarchal and fratriarchal control. Fratriarchy, is a form of patriarchal social structure that focuses on the bonds and allegiances that are developed through struggles for power and support between men. ‘Fraternity was critical to the establishment of distinct and definable public masculine identities in new urban spaces of leisure and entertainment.’25 25

01 - Physical Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club

Boodles Boodles was designed in a similar way to the family home leading from room to room, devoted to rituals often seen in a domestic environment, such as dining.

Figure 12 Boodles Floor Plans 1804 british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=40621 26 27 28

Rendell, J. (1999), The Clubs of St James’s: Places of Public Patriarchy, Exclusivity, Domesticity and Secrecy - The Journal of Architecture. p.278 Rendell, J. (1999), The Clubs of St James’s: Places of Public Patriarchy, Exclusivity, Domesticity and Secrecy - The Journal of Architecture. p.278 Rendell, J. (1999), The Clubs of St James’s: Places of Public Patriarchy, Exclusivity, Domesticity and Secrecy - The Journal of Architecture. p.278

A number of the early club-houses were originally homes that had been converted and many of the buildings constructed to house clubs were modeled on domestic dwellings. The Boodles clubhouse consists of an area for members to the North and a section located to the South for ‘a single man of fashion’26, the layout resembled that of a town house, designed like a private dwelling rather than a public building. From the elevations a ‘modest and domesticated front’27, and its asymmetric plan. The main staircase is located to one side of the property with a series of rooms that lead from one to the next in a linear sequence from front to back. At times the clubs go to extreme lengths ‘to provide separate internal circulation, staircases and different routes, for staff and members, to avoid contact unless for serving purposes’28. In 1834 Boodles provided a new dining room as well as a new staircase that connected the kitchen and the dining room, this was constructed to avoid members seeing staff carrying food. 27

01 - Physical Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club

Mnemonic Detail 01: Two Faced Clock The details of Boodles are influenced by the structuring of routines. A specific area of remodeling revolved around The Two Faced Clock, Figure 13. The Clock is located between two rooms, allowing members to tell the time in both spaces. The Clock (time / time-keeping) is a key symbol. The Two Faced Clock is used for the routines of the members, ensuring they meet, drink and dine at the correct times and follow the protocols established by the institution, which in many ways can be seen as taking on a maternal role in the premises. The mnemonic detail performs as a loci to navigate the Physical Realm of the club. This is also in keeping with the club’s view on the female territory of the domestic environment. The layout suggests that women are expected to spend the majority of their time in the kitchen preparing the various meals of the day. These meals are then served in the dining areas that are prepared in a means to not be seen or heard by the members located in the front of house - the male territory. The Two Faced Clock is a notable maternal presence within the male territory front of house and is observed in a male gaze. This enforces the sexualised point of view that was associated with clubs.

Figure 13 Boodles Two Faced Clock detail drawing John Cruden & John Buonarotti 1821 RIBApix.com

It could be argued that the alterations to the front of house, introducing the new details that have these female qualities, indicates a change in attitude to the female territory being expanded further than the kitchen and merging with the male territory, eventually forming a combined gender space. This seems unlikely as the use of details are meant to respect and enhance the origins of the Club, in this case the structure of routines and arrangements. The details, the Two Faced Clock, in this case just enforce the Club’s attitude to the roles of both genders to the domestic environment. 29

01 - Physical Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club Figure 14 Oriental Club library: cabinet 27.10.2012 Photograph: Adam Bell 29 30

(1824), April, The Asiastic Journal and Monthly Miscellany The Oriental Club Events Calendar 2014:

23.01.2014 - 7.00pm Music Society Recital: Anna Huntley, Mezzo-Soprano and James Baillieu, Piano 24.01.2014 - 6.45pm Club Burns Night Dinner 31.01.2014 - 12.30pm Chinese New Year Lunch (Year of the Horse) 07.02.2014 - 12.30pm Club Curry Lunch 19.02.2014 - 7.00pm Music Society Recital: Philip Higham, Cello 23.02.2014 - 11am Music Society Coffee Concert: Grace Yeo 23.02.2014 - 12.30pm Club Family Sunday Lunch 04.03.2014 - 7.30pm Game Shooting Society Annual Dinner 14.03.2014 - 12.30pm Sports Society Annual Lunch 18.03.2014 - 6.45pm Wine Society: The Spanish Concept of Rioja 19.03.2014 - 7.00pm Music Society Recital: Benyounes String Quartet 20.03.2014 - 6.45pm Library Lecture: The Honourable East India Company - The Granest Society of Merchants in the Universe 30.03.2014 - 12.30pm Mother’s Day Lunch 02.04.2014 - 6.45pm Taste of Spring Dinner 08.04.2014 - 5.00pm EGM 11.04.2014 - 12.30pm Sailing Society Annual Lunch 16-04-2014 - 7.00pm Music Society Recital: Philip Higham, Cello 07-05-2014 - 5.30pm AGM 08- 11.05.2014 Battlefield Tour 11.05.2014 - 11.30am Music Society Recital: Wu String Quartet “Strings in the Courtyard” 15.05.2014 - 6.45pm Wine Society Magnificent Barolo Dinner 16.05.2014 - 12.30pm Club Curry Lunch 20.05.2014 - 7.30pm Chess Society Annual Dinner 22.05.2014 - 7.00pm Music Society Recital: Sam Haywood, Piano 29.05.2014 - 7.00pm Billiards Society Annual Dinner 30.05.2014 - 7.00pm Younger Members Society Dinner 06.06.2014 - 12.30pm Racing Society Oak’s Lunch 11.06.2014 - 7.00pm Music Society Recital: Philip Higham, Cello 13.06.2014 - 5.30pm Club Summer Barbecue 27.06.2014 - 12.30pm Club Curry Lunch 01.07.2014 - 7.30pm Golf Society Buffet Supper - Ladies Night 10.07.2014 - 6.30pm Summer Cocktail Party and Dinner 17.07.2014 - 6.45pm Taste of Summer Dinner 22.07.2014 William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet - The Lord Chamberlain’s Men 23.07.2014 - 7pm Music Society Recital: Benedict Nelson, Baritone Pianist 25.07.2014 - 5.30pm Club Summer Barbecue 10.08.2014 - 11.00am Music Society Coffee Concert: Guitar in the Courtyard 04.09.2014 - 7.00pm Racing Society Annual Dinner 05.09.2014 - 12.30pm Club Curry Lunch 11.09.2014 - 6.45pm Annual Club Dinner (Members only) 18.09.2014 - 6.45pm Club Grouse Dinner 25.09.2014 - 7pm Music Society Recital: Ellipsis Wind Trio 09.10.2014 - 6.45pm Trafalgar Dinner 16.10.2014 - 6.45pm Taste of Autumn Dinner 16-19.10.2014 October Wine Society Tour to the Langhe Region 23.10.2014 - 7pm Music Society Recital: Sam Haywood, Piano 24.10.2014 - 12.30pm Club Curry Lunch 11.11.2014 - 7.00pm Music Society Recital and Annual Dinner: Evelina Puzaite, Piano 12.11.2014 - 7.00pm Wine Society Annual Dinner 14.11.2014 - 7.00pm Younger Members Society Dinner 25.11.2014 - 7.30pm Golf Society Annual Dinner 04.12.2014 - TBC Oxford -v- Cambridge, Twickenham 05.12.2014 Sports Society Statoil Masters Brunch 10.12.2014 Music Society Recital: Aquinas Piano Trio 11.12.2014 Christmas Cocktail Party and Dinner 14.12.2014 - 6.00pm Festival of 9 Lessons and Carols – St George’s, Hanover Square

The Oriental Club The origins of the Oriental Club span back to the East India Company, a strong force during the peak of the British Empire. The East India Company was originally formed to pursue trading of various commodities such as cotton, silk, indigo dye, salt, saltpetre, tea and opium with the East Indies but resulted in trading, with the Indian subcontinent. To qualify for membership the entrant must have been a resident or employed as a public servant to the then King, or the East India Company, or having previously being accepted by the Royal Asiastic Society. The Club was established in 1824 and housed at the end of Stratford Place, located in the Oxford and Bond Street area. ‘...A library will be gradually formed, chiefly of works of oriental subjects.’29 The key space visited was the library. This library was not expansive or grand in scale but it was meticulously curated following the ambitions of the club whilst taking into account the foundations that it is formed from. The space is not just used for reading but also forms a venue for events. 30 From the inception of the club, the library was identified as a point that would house artefacts of the East India Company and the Oriental Club/members. 31

01 - Physical Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club

Mnemonic Detail 02: The Oriental Club Library The library of the Oriental Club, Figure 15, is a memory theatre, in which the collective of members can participate in discussions and use the collection of artefacts as a series of loci to access and navigate the Immersive Realm. The library follows the same principles as Giulio ‘Camillo’s Memory Theatre’31, which was a ‘distortion of the plan of the real Vitruvian theatre.’32 Figure 15 Oriental Club library 27.10.2012 Photograph: Adam Bell Figure 16 p.32 & p.33 Oriental Club library 27.10.2012 Photograph: Adam Bell 31 32 33 34

Yates, F. (1992), The Art of Memory. p.137 Yates, F. (1992), The Art of Memory. p.137 Yates, F. (1992), The Art of Memory. p.137 Yates, F. (1992), The Art of Memory. p.137

The layout of the theatre was altered to meet the requirements to function as a memory theatre. ‘That there would be no room for an audience to sit between these enormous lavishly decorated gangway gates does not matter. For in Camillo’s Theatre the normal function of the theatre is reversed. There is no audience sitting in the seats watching a play on the stage. The solitary ‘spectator’ of the Theatre stands where the stage would be and looks towards the auditorium, gazing at the images.’33 The collective of members take the area that would be considered the stage of the library and refer to the mnemonic details that occupy the space between the ‘lavishly decorated gangway gates’ and cabinets. Giulio Camillo would consider the club library as the ‘eternal places’34 of the collective memory. 33

01 - Physical Realm of the Gentlemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club

The Commonwealth Club Royal Commonwealth Society Sites 1. The Royal Commonwealth Society was formed as a direct response of the British Empire and as the Empire declined the Society developed into an organisation that focused on the Commonwealth of Nations. A decision to form a society that would have a London based headquarters which would take particular interest in the colonial and Indian affairs was made in 1868. This followed a meeting in the Willis Rooms, King Street, St. Jamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. 2. The Colonial Society was first located at No.15 The Strand above a shirt shop. The society was housed there between 1870 and 1885. The library collection for the society started to be assembled from this point. Figure 17 Royal Commonwealth Society Sites - site plan 11.2013 Adam Bell

3. The society wished to expand and moved to new premises that could offer an active meeting place and house their growing library collection. A lease for the land at Northumberland Avenue was obtained and the clubhouse was opened in 1885. 37

01 - Physical Realm of the Gentlemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club

The Commonwealth Club A key aspect of the Commonwealth Club is the ever changing origin. Unlike the previous case studies the origin of which are at distinctly fixed moments in history, the Commonwealth Club has evolved alongside the growth and decline of the British Empire and the emergence of the Commonwealth. In doing so the club venue has altered, ranging from the point of inception - the meeting in the Willis Room within the St. Jamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; area, to the first meeting space above the shirt shop to the latest site of Northumberland Avenue.35 The club has ceased to function following the closure in 2013 and the offices of the Royal Commonwealth Society have moved to new premises in January / February 2014. Due to this constant fluctuation in the point of origin and venue the resultant clubhouse is at odds when compared to the other case studies, the sites of which almost represent a homage to their foundations. Figure 18 Commonwealth Club Reception 27.10.2012 Photograph: Adam Bell 35 Evolution of The Commonwealth Club: Colonial Society 1870-1869 Royal Colonial Society 1869 Royal Colonial Institute 1870-1939 Royal Empire Society 1939-1958 Royal Commonwealth Society 1958-present Closure of The Commonwealth Club 2013

The Commonwealth Club has always been open to change and wished to be considered different to the other established clubs of London. This was clearly indicated in their revised clubhouse manual (1998). Even though the Club has been sited in Northumberland Avenue since 1885 the facilities have downsized over time. Originally occupying the whole site the premises were reduced to the North West Corner. The only constant feature of the Club has been the Empire Clock, mnemonic detail 03 - Figure 19. 39

01 - Physical Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club

Mnemonic Detail 03: The Empire Clock The Empire Clock was originally located in the Reception area, it was the first feature seen by anyone entering the premises. It was also set in stone. The Empire Clock remained in this location since 1885 at Northumberland Avenue. When the clubhouse downsized to the corner of the site the details of the Empire Clock changed accordingly to the club’s agenda. The most significant alterations to the Empire Clock were implemented in 1998, following the internal architectural detailing alterations to the clubhouse.

Figure 19 Commonwealth Club Restaurant Hall: Empire Clock 27.10.2012 Photograph: Adam Bell 36

The Royal Commonwealth Society. (1998) Excerpt of The Commonwealth Club Manifesto

‘d. the ambience should be welcoming, 21st Century with Commonwealth touches. The fittings and furniture should be good quality, but not gold tap;’36 Located in the restaurant hall rather than the reception and supported by steel cables whilst framed in engraved glass instead of replicating the stonework of the previous stand. The outer ring of the clock was also altered adding further symbols and abbreviations linked to the outer symbols of the Clock. 41

01 - Physical Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club

Mnemonic Detail 03: The Empire Clock The Empire Clock represents the Centre of the then Empire, current Commonwealth and for the club the centre of their Universe. Everything revolves around this point. All of the countries featured on the Clock are represented by a symbol and a series of letters. The only nation that isn’t represented by a symbol accompanied by text is Britain which is indicated by a Lion. The Empire Clock manual, Figure 20, also enforces this thought of the Lion (Britain / Commonwealth Club) as the centre of the Empire / Universe / Time. The Lion represents time’s point of origin and everywhere else is measured from this point. I asked The Office Manager / Administrative Director, who allowed me to visit the club and Royal Commonwealth Society Offices, what the Club is to be used for as the original purpose altered following the fall of the British Empire.

Figure 20 The Empire Clock manual: The Royal Commonwealth Society 27.10.2012 Photograph: Adam Bell

This is a question that she struggled to answer at first, eventually stating that the club was currently used for media events, a place to relax and discuss work as well as hired events. The Empire Clock could now be considered a ‘defused’ mnemonic detail, as a result of the fluctuating point of formation and affiliation. This has had a significant affect on the ideology of the club and the collective of members, and the resultant ideological charge of the ‘defused’ mnemonic detail. 43

02 - Immersive Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club

02 -

Immersive Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club

Mnemotechnics Memory Theatres The Realm of Objective Fact Surrogate Reality Indifference to Time Continua of the Surrogate Reality

02 - Immersive Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club

Mnemotechnics Memory is ‘an essential part of the orator’s equipment, he opens his treatment of it with the words: ‘Now let us turn to the treasure-house of inventions, the custodian of all the parts of rhetoric, memory.’ There are two kinds of memory, he continues, one natural, the other artificial. The natural memory is that which is engrafted in our minds, born simultaneously with thought. The artificial memory is a memory strengthened or confirmed by training.’37 Within the confines of the club the ‘orator’ is the collective of members, in which they use ‘mnemotechnics’.38 The collective then use the mnemonic details as the loci to access and navigate their collective ‘artificial memory’, to reminisce the transcendental ties to the club origins, ideology and the inception of their Immersive Realm. ‘The artificial memory is established from places and images ..., the stock definition to be forever repeated down the ages. A locus is a place easily grasped by the memory, such as a house, an inter columnar space, a comer, an arch, or the like. Images are forms, marks or simulacra 39 of what we wish to remember. For instance if we wish to recall the genus of a horse, of a lion, of an eagle, we must place their images on definite loci.’40

Figure 21 The Hall of Names Jerusalem, Museo Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the Jewish Holocaust victims 2005 vosizneias.com 37 38 39 40 41

Yates, F. (1992), The Art of Memory. p.5 Yates, F. (1992), The Art of Memory. p.4 Simulacra: Latin: Shadowy likeness, similarity Yates, F. (1992), The Art of Memory. p.6 Yates, F. (1992), The Art of Memory. p.7

The original purpose for the use of ‘mnemotechnics’ was for orators to deliver long speeches, this was a singular point of perception in which the individual would dictate the selection of loci and the order in which they were accessed and navigated to present the speech. The techniques have been adapted to the collective perception of the club, in which multiple members can address multiple aspects of a single mnemonic detail. This enables the members to access and navigate a collective ‘artificial memory’, resulting in an ever changing Immersive Realm. ‘The formation of the loci is of the greatest importance, for the same set of loci can be used again and again for remembering different material.’41 47

02 - Immersive Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club

Memory Theatres In regards to inter Physical / Immersive Realm platforms the Memory Theatre of Giulio Camillo was one of the key aspects of the art of memory of the Renaissance. Images were placed in a certain order within a neoclassical theatre whilst applying the technique of the artificial memory. ‘Camillo’s memory system is based (so he believes) on archetypes of reality on which depend secondary images covering the whole realm of nature and of man.’42 Camillo aimed to construct an artificial memory based on truth. ‘Now if the ancient orators,’ he says, ‘wishing to place from day to day the parts of the speech which they had to recite, confided them to frail places as frail things, it is right that we, wishing to store up eternally the eternal nature of all things which can be expressed in speech ... should assign to them eternal places.’43 A number of the selected clubs facilitate opportunities for the formation of memory theatres that the collective members can gather and apply their technique of ‘artificial memory’. Key examples being the libraries of The Oriental Club and The Commonwealth Club. Both libraries have / had 44 mnemonic details with transcendental ties to the club, to individuals and to a collective of members. Figure 22 Bronze Lampshade 04.2013 The Restored Commonwealth Club - Adam Bell 42 Yates, F. (1992), The Art of Memory. p.5 43 Yates, F. (1992), The Art of Memory. p.4 44 Evolution of The Commonwealth Club: Colonial Society 1870-1869 Royal Colonial Society 1869 Royal Colonial Institute 1870-1939 Royal Empire Society 1939-1958 Royal Commonwealth Society 1958-present Closure of The Commonwealth Club 2013 45 Mauriès, P. (2011), Cabinets of Curiosities. p.216 46 Yates, F. (1992), The Art of Memory. p.94

‘The strangeness of any object in a cabinet of curiosities was the surest guarantee of a sort of reality: the reality of distant cultures, of which it offered living proof, or of the shadowy realm of hidden pockets of reality within the natural world itself.’45 The facilities to store the mnemonic details and allow the ‘artificial memory’ techniques to be undertaken are significant, ‘One of the most striking features of classical memories ... is the sense of space, depth,lighting in the memory suggested by the place rules; and the care taken to make the images stand out clearly on the loci, for example in the injunction that places must not be too dark, or the images will be obscured, nor too light lest the dazzle confuse the images.’46 49

02 - Immersive Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club

Figure 23 Oriental Club library 27.10.2012 Photograph: Adam Bell 47 The Oriental Club Events Calendar 2014: 23.01.2014 - 7.00pm Music Society Recital: Anna Huntley, Mezzo-Soprano and James Baillieu, Piano 24.01.2014 - 6.45pm Club Burns Night Dinner 31.01.2014 - 12.30pm Chinese New Year Lunch (Year of the Horse) 07.02.2014 - 12.30pm Club Curry Lunch 19.02.2014 - 7.00pm Music Society Recital: Philip Higham, Cello 23.02.2014 - 11am Music Society Coffee Concert: Grace Yeo 23.02.2014 - 12.30pm Club Family Sunday Lunch 04.03.2014 - 7.30pm Game Shooting Society Annual Dinner 14.03.2014 - 12.30pm Sports Society Annual Lunch 18.03.2014 - 6.45pm Wine Society: The Spanish Concept of Rioja 19.03.2014 - 7.00pm Music Society Recital: Benyounes String Quartet 20.03.2014 - 6.45pm Library Lecture: The Honourable East India Company - The Granest Society of Merchants in the Universe 30.03.2014 - 12.30pm Mother’s Day Lunch 02.04.2014 - 6.45pm Taste of Spring Dinner 08.04.2014 - 5.00pm EGM 11.04.2014 - 12.30pm Sailing Society Annual Lunch 16-04-2014 - 7.00pm Music Society Recital: Philip Higham, Cello 07-05-2014 - 5.30pm AGM 08- 11.05.2014 Battlefield Tour 11.05.2014 - 11.30am Music Society Recital: Wu String Quartet “Strings in the Courtyard” 15.05.2014 - 6.45pm Wine Society Magnificent Barolo Dinner 16.05.2014 - 12.30pm Club Curry Lunch 20.05.2014 - 7.30pm Chess Society Annual Dinner 22.05.2014 - 7.00pm Music Society Recital: Sam Haywood, Piano 29.05.2014 - 7.00pm Billiards Society Annual Dinner 30.05.2014 - 7.00pm Younger Members Society Dinner 06.06.2014 - 12.30pm Racing Society Oak’s Lunch 11.06.2014 - 7.00pm Music Society Recital: Philip Higham, Cello 13.06.2014 - 5.30pm Club Summer Barbecue 27.06.2014 - 12.30pm Club Curry Lunch 01.07.2014 - 7.30pm Golf Society Buffet Supper - Ladies Night 10.07.2014 - 6.30pm Summer Cocktail Party and Dinner 17.07.2014 - 6.45pm Taste of Summer Dinner 22.07.2014 William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet - The Lord Chamberlain’s Men 23.07.2014 - 7pm Music Society Recital: Benedict Nelson, Baritone Pianist 25.07.2014 - 5.30pm Club Summer Barbecue 10.08.2014 - 11.00am Music Society Coffee Concert: Guitar in the Courtyard 04.09.2014 - 7.00pm Racing Society Annual Dinner 05.09.2014 - 12.30pm Club Curry Lunch 11.09.2014 - 6.45pm Annual Club Dinner (Members only) 18.09.2014 - 6.45pm Club Grouse Dinner 25.09.2014 - 7pm Music Society Recital: Ellipsis Wind Trio 09.10.2014 - 6.45pm Trafalgar Dinner 16.10.2014 - 6.45pm Taste of Autumn Dinner 16-19.10.2014 October Wine Society Tour to the Langhe Region 23.10.2014 - 7pm Music Society Recital: Sam Haywood, Piano 24.10.2014 - 12.30pm Club Curry Lunch 11.11.2014 - 7.00pm Music Society Recital and Annual Dinner: Evelina Puzaite, Piano 12.11.2014 - 7.00pm Wine Society Annual Dinner 14.11.2014 - 7.00pm Younger Members Society Dinner 25.11.2014 - 7.30pm Golf Society Annual Dinner 04.12.2014 - TBC Oxford -v- Cambridge, Twickenham 05.12.2014 Sports Society Statoil Masters Brunch 10.12.2014 Music Society Recital: Aquinas Piano Trio 11.12.2014 Christmas Cocktail Party and Dinner 14.12.2014 - 6.00pm Festival of 9 Lessons and Carols – St George’s, Hanover Square

Memory Theatres Both The Oriental Club and The Commonwealth Club had considered their libraries and collections as key aspects of the club in which members could engage directly with the past and current events of the club. The current state of the libraries and corresponding clubs could be considered polar opposites. Firstly The Oriental Club library, Figure 23, is still considered one of the most significant areas in which members regularly congregate and conduct events 47 whilst maintaining the facility to allow a collective of members to apply their ‘artificial memory’ techniques. This is in contrast to the state of the Commonwealth library and club. The library and the archives of the Royal Commonwealth society were acquired by Cambridge University in 1993, leaving traces of the content at the Northumberland Avenue site. The Commonwealth Club ceased to function in 2013 due to financial difficulties resulting in the sale of the Northumberland Avenue club site to pay off the debts. 51

02 - Immersive Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club

The Realm of Objective Fact The mnemonic detail of the libraries refers to artefacts that have been collected and the architectural detail that has been commissioned to the internal areas of the club house which have a transcendental tie to the formation, affiliation and aspiration of the selected club. The form of the club mnemonic detail is not limited to images, as originally used by orators and Renaissance memory theatres. A study undertaken by Aldous Huxley is of interest due to his temporary altered perception of details and artefacts within his house. Huxley reveals in his accounts his altered perception of details whilst under the influence of the drug mescaline. Prior to consuming the drug Huxley stated what he expected to see and experience and continued to admit times of difficulty to visualize information, one example was the difficulty to visualize vivid landscapes. ‘I had expected to lie with my eyes shut, looking at visions of many- coloured geometries, of animated architectures, rich with gems and fabulously lovely, of landscapes with heroic figures, of symbolic dramas trembling perpetually on the verge of the ultimate revelation.’48

Figure 24 The Anthropomorphic Cabinet 1936 Salvador Dalí Figure 25 p.52 - p.53 Enter The Void 2011 Gaspar Noé stillsfrmfilms.wordpress.com 48 49 50

Huxley, A. (1954), Doors of Perception. p.4 Huxley, A. (1954), Doors of Perception. p.4 Huxley, A. (1954), Doors of Perception. p.4

‘The change which actually took place in that world was in no sense revolutionary. Half an hour after swallowing the drug I became aware of a slow dance of golden lights. A little later there were sumptuous red surfaces swelling and expanding from bright nodes of energy that vibrated with a continuously changing, patterned life. At another time the closing of my eyes revealed a complex of grey structures, within which pale bluish spheres kept emerging into intense solidity and, having emerged, would slide noiselessly upwards, out of sight.’49 The drug became an aid for Huxley to focus on a number of mnemonic details within his home to enter ‘the other world’, realising that the objects became the loci to this realm following the administration of the drug. The other world to which mescaline admitted me was not the world of visions; it existed out there, in what I could see with my eyes open. The great change was in the realm of objective fact. What had happened to my subjective universe was relatively unimportant.’50 53

02 - Immersive Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club

Surrogate Reality Huxley continued to explain how his perception altered after being admitted to the mescaline induced world, ‘the perspective looked rather odd, and the walls of the room no longer seemed to meet in right angles. But these were not the really important facts. The really important facts were that spatial relationships had ceased to matter very much and that my mind was perceiving the world in terms of other than spatial categories.’51 The standard optical concerns of day to day functions asks ‘Where? - How far? How is it situated to what? In the mescaline experience the implied questions to which the eye responds are of another order. Place and distance cease to be of much interest. The mind does its Perceiving in terms of intensity of existence, profundity of significance, relationships within a pattern.’52 ‘The mind was primarily concerned, not with measures and locations, but with being and meaning.’53 The ‘other world’ that Huxley entered not only administered perceptual alterations to the loci, the house hold mnemonic details, but formed the laws of his ‘artificial memory’. This in turn formed his individual Immersive Realm, that could also be considered his Paracosm.54 Paracosmic tendencies were originally viewed as a coping mechanism used by children that had ‘experienced a profound loss in an effort to gain control through a surrogate reality.’55 It has been argued that paracosms are more than a coping mechanism, Mark Morris has claimed ‘that paracosmic thinking may be a defining attribute of many architects. As a directed form of imagination, a paracosm nurtures the intellect, yielding discoveries with real world application.’56 Figure 26 Kandors Jablonka Galerie, Berlin, Germany 2007 Mike Kelley - mikekelley.com 51 Huxley, A. (1954), Doors of Perception. p.5 52 Huxley, A. (1954), Doors of Perception. p.5 53 Huxley, A. (1954), Doors of Perception. p.5 54 Morris,M. (2013), Future Cities 2: Other Worlds - Paracosmic Overture. p.13 ‘Paracosm is a neologism from the 1970s, used to describe a detailed and consistently imaginary world with its own geography, weather, customs and even language. By definition, a paracosm originates in childhood fantasy and persists into adulthood as a personal creative laboratory. It can be fantastic or based largely on reality.’ 55 Morris,M. (2013), Future Cities 2: Other Worlds - Paracosmic Overture. p.13 56 Morris,M. (2013), Future Cities 2: Other Worlds - Paracosmic Overture. p.13 57 Rendell, J. (1999), The Clubs of St James’s: Places of Public Patriarchy, Exclusivity, Domesticity and Secrecy - The Journal of Architecture. p.277

In terms of the paracosms of Huxley and the selected clubs in both instances use the facilities available and the mnemonic details to access a ‘surrogate reality’. In reference to the selected clubs this asks the question. Is the Immersive Realm formed of the collective ‘artificial memory’ really a ‘surrogate reality’ that forms a coping mechanism? Clubs have been viewed as a place of refuge, epitomised as a retreat for men who feel they are too young or do not want to marry. Clubs once represented a place in which bachelors could ‘prepare for domestic life, and as a married man’s refuge from family life’57 The ‘surrogate reality’ of Boodles reiterates the preparation ‘for domestic life’ enforcing the ideology of the club. While The Oriental Club and The Commonwealth Club ‘surrogate realities’ refer to the formation, affiliation and aspirations of the club, through the mnemonic details of their memory theatres, the libraries. 57

02 - Immersive Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club

Indifference to Time A key element to both the Immersive Realms of Huxley and the selected clubs is time. ‘And along with indifference to space there went an even more complete indifference to time. “There seems to be plenty of it,” was all I would answer, when the investigator asked me to say what I felt about time. Plenty of it, but exactly how much was entirely irrelevant. I could, of course, have looked at my watch; but my watch, I knew, was in another universe. My actual experience had been, was still, of an indefinite duration or alternatively of a perpetual present made up of one continually changing apocalypse.’58

Figure 27 The Empire Clock 12.2013 The Restored Commonwealth Club - Adam Bell 58

Huxley, A. (1954), Doors of Perception. p.6

Just as the mnemonic details enforce the ideology of the selected clubs they also define the laws of time within the Immersive Realm. Huxley demonstrated this by explaining that the time shown on his watch ‘was in another universe.’ The Empire Clock of The Restored Commonwealth Club, Figure 27, indicates alternate time zones whilst dictating the time and manipulating the structures of the club’s Immersive Realm. The parameters of the above mentioned Immersive Realms respond to the perception of the mnemonic details, individually and collectively, forming a detailed ‘surrogate reality’ that can be accessed, navigated and altered. 59

02 - Immersive Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club

Continua of the Surrogate Reality The laws of the Immersive Realms deal with the methodology discussed by Neil Spiller, that is also applied to his ongoing project ‘Communicating Vessels’ 59 The ‘7 Continua of Post-Digital Architecture in the early 21st Century’. 1. Space 2. Technology 3. Narrative 4. Cyborgian geography 5. Scopic regimes 6. Sensitivity 7. Time Figure 28 Ga-twistedchrist: ‘A particular vista and its time-based dynamics’.66 Neil Spiller - lebbeuswoods.wordpress.com Published: 19.03.2011 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66

Garcia,M. (2010), The Diagrams of Architecture Spiller, N., Spatial Notation and the Magical Operations of Collage in the Post-Digital Age. p.178 ‘The Communicating Vessels project is a speculation, through drawings and words, about the continuing impact of advanced technology on the future of architecture, particularly in relation to virtuality, remote sensing and biotechnology. It is predicted on the notion that as technology progresses architects will have to re-evaluate Surrealist notions of space, time, materiality and memory.’ Garcia,M. (2010), The Diagrams of Architecture Spiller, N., Spatial Notation and the Magical Operations of Collage in the Post-Digital Age. p.179 Garcia,M. (2010), The Diagrams of Architecture Spiller, N., Spatial Notation and the Magical Operations of Collage in the Post-Digital Age. p.180 Garcia,M. (2010), The Diagrams of Architecture Spiller, N., Spatial Notation and the Magical Operations of Collage in the Post-Digital Age. p.180 Anthropocentric: regarding humankind as the central or most important element of existence Garcia,M. (2010), The Diagrams of Architecture Spiller, N., Spatial Notation and the Magical Operations of Collage in the Post-Digital Age. p.180 Garcia,M. (2010), The Diagrams of Architecture Spiller, N., Spatial Notation and the Magical Operations of Collage in the Post-Digital Age. p.180 Garcia,M. (2010), The Diagrams of Architecture Spiller, N., Spatial Notation and the Magical Operations of Collage in the Post-Digital Age. p.185

Just as Huxley accounts recall, time is a fundamental element that defines and separates the Immersive Realm from the Physical Realm. Spiller considers time as ‘the most important of the continua. All the above six continua can be time-dependent. Therefore designers can ‘mix’ the movement of their spaces, buildings and objects up and down the other continua. So a design might oscillate the spaces within itself with varying elements of virtuality over time.’61 The time element of the ‘7 Continua of Post-Digital Architecture in the early 21st Century’ considers the aspects of both the relationships of the Physical and Immersive Realms of the selected clubs. The collective ‘artificial memory’’might perform complex mnemonic tableaux at certain points in its life cycle’, formulating an evolving ‘surrogate reality’.62 The design is reliant as well as demanding of its occupants to ‘use of different lenses with which to see other than anthropocentric 63 environmental conditions in other locations that change.’64 The Physical Realm mnemonic details that reside within the memory theatres and the Immersive Realm ‘surrogate reality’ ‘might change the sensitivity of objects over time, dulling them sometimes, and making them hypersensitive at other times.’65 61

03- Synthesis

03 -

Synthesis

Current Mnemonic Detail Defused Mnemonic Detail Fusion of Observational Gaze â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Trans-Speciesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Mnemonic Detail The Restored Commonwealth Club, Door Push Plate The Restored Commonwealth Club, Library Window 63

03- Synthesis

Current Mnemonic Detail The mnemonic details of the selected clubs, The Two Faced Clock: Boodles The Library: The Oriental Club The Empire Clock: The Commonwealth Club, are physical entities that embody the transcendental ties to the formation and affiliation of the selected club that maintains and enforces the ideology of the club in Physical and Immersive Realms. The mnemonic details are to be considered as loci that allow the collective of members to access and navigate the Physical clubhouse and the Immersive ‘surrogate reality’. It is the relationships of the Physical/Immersive and the collective of members/mnemonic details that is key to the formation, maintenance and enhancement of the gentlemen’s club. Figure 29 Commonwealth Club: Empire Clock Manual 27.10.2012

This is evident in the studies of the selected clubs. The key example being the failure and eventual closure on The Commonwealth Club.

Photograph: Adam Bell

Unlike Boodles and the The Oriental Club the origins of The Commonwealth Club are in a constant state of flux following the fluctuation of the British Empire and the Commonwealth.67

67 Evolution of The Commonwealth Club: Colonial Society 1870-1869 Royal Colonial Society 1869 Royal Colonial Institute 1870-1939 Royal Empire Society 1939-1958 Royal Commonwealth Society 1958-present Closure of The Commonwealth Club 2013

The difficulty to define a clear origin for The Commonwealth Club had a knock on effect on the ideological charge of the mnemonic detail, the clubhouse and the collective of members. 65

03- Synthesis

Defused Mnemonic Detail Following the relaunch of The Commonwealth Club in 1998, The Royal Commonwealth Society decided to alter the interior architectural detailing of the Northumberland Avenue site. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;4. The principles to be applied, as previously agreed, are as follows: a. The need for the club to make a profit is the top priority; b. flexibility through design, management and work practice to maximise profit is essential; c. the club must be functionally efficient; d. the ambience should be welcoming, 21st Century with Commonwealth touches. The fittings and furniture should be good quality, but not gold tap; e. the minimum essential staff should be on contract. Others, as required, should be employed as casual labour, possibly through agencies or part time as required but only when the net return from the function justifies this; f. no extra Charitable staff should be employed until affordable;

Figure 30 Commonwealth Club Restaurant 27.10.2012 Photograph: Adam Bell 68

The Royal Commonwealth Society. (1998) Excerpt of The Commonwealth Club Manifesto

g. management must be coordinated decisively by the DG bearing in mind the potential conflict of interest between the club and the charity as set against the over-riding priority to make a sufficient profit to cover overheads, including long term maintenance, and maintain the real value of our capital; h. the success of the whole venture is likely to rest on giving value for money to the membership. In this the critically important element will be the new membership, not the old faithful.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;68 67

03- Synthesis

Defused Mnemonic Detail The Royal Commonwealth Society acknowledged that The Commonwealth Club was different from the other gentlemen’s clubs of London, such as the clubs shown in Figure 08 Clubland site plan and the selected clubs of this thesis. This lead to the decision to have a clubhouse, that The Royal Commonwealth Society felt, embodied the current ideology of The Commonwealth. The mnemonic detail, The Empire Clock Figure 31, was altered to coincide with the new interior architectural detailing of the clubhouse. ‘It was not, however, based on the assumption that the minuscule detail is the final product on an ideology inherent in the larger building, but rather the opposite: that the detail is the mechanism by which certain ideas are communicated, ideas that may be absent or even contradicted by the larger design.’69

Figure 31 Commonwealth Club Restaurant Hall: Empire Clock 27.10.2012 Photograph: Adam Bell 69

Ford, E.R. (2009), Five Houses, Ten Details. Princeton Architectural Press. Princeton p.6

As a result the clubhouse and the ‘defused’ mnemonic detail only provided glimpses into the formation and affiliation of the club, that lead to the confusion of the ideological charge of both the mnemonic detail and the whole club. This provides evidence of the club’s reliance on the mnemonic detail and how these loci, in terms of the Physical and Immersive Realms are housed in the clubhouse and accessed by the collective ‘artificial memory’ that can clearly formulate ‘surrogate realities’ that in turn enhance the Physical Realm of the club. 69

03- Synthesis

Fusion of Observational Gaze The studies of Aldous Huxley recall the ‘realm of objective fact’70 in which he was admitted to ‘the other world’71 following the use of mescaline. Huxley’s accounts proceeded to the point in which he and the object, in this case the chair, had become one.

Figure 32 Old Age XIV Steven C. Harvey 2012 stevenharvey.wix.com 70 71 72

Huxley, A. (1954), Doors of Perception. p.4 Huxley, A. (1954), Doors of Perception. p.4 Huxley, A. (1954), Doors of Perception. p.6

‘The legs, for example, of that chair - how miraculous their tubularity, how supernatural their polished smoothness! I spent several minutes - or was it several centuries? - not merely gazing at those bamboo legs, but actually being them - or rather being myself in them; or, to be still more accurate (for “I” was not involved in the case, nor in a certain sense were “they”) being my Not-self in the Not-self which was the chair.’72 Huxley uncovered the point in which the gaze of the observer and the corresponding gaze of the mnemonic detail intertwined resulting in the future prospects of the mnemonic details of The Restored Commonwealth Club. 71

03- Synthesis

‘Trans-Species’ Mnemonic Detail The territory of the future mnemonic club detail ‘could be understood as a location temporarily secured by the constitutive forming of architecture and site.’73 within the Physical and Immersive Realms. The future mnemonic detail considers the environment of both the Physical and Immersive Realms as neutral sites that accommodates ‘the territorial assemblage of architecture,’74 ‘which extends well beyond the building to emerge multiple disciples,’75 landscapes, geographies and ecologies - for which both the Realms retain the ideological charge of the club. The future mnemonic detail territorial assemblage could result in the fusion of the member and the mnemonic detail, taking the current close relationship to the next level, proposing a new form of club. This discards the premise of clubs ‘as specifically human environments, proposing its a place trans-species’76 can be accommodated. The ‘trans-species’77 refers to the future role of the mnemonic detail and the member, forming the interwoven fabric of the gentlemen’s/non-anthropocentric 78 club, The Restored Commonwealth Club. Figure 33 Mnemonic flesh detail - elevation 03.2013 The Restored Commonwealth Club - Adam Bell 73 Harrison, A. L. (2012), Architectural Theories of the Environment: Posthuman Territory. p.31 74 Harrison, A. L. (2012), Architectural Theories of the Environment: Posthuman Territory. p.31 75 Harrison, A. L. (2012), Architectural Theories of the Environment: Posthuman Territory. p.31 76 Harrison, A. L. (2012), Architectural Theories of the Environment: Posthuman Territory. p.31 77 Trans-species: humans and non-humans share commonalities in cognition (thinking) and emotions (feelings) 78 Anthropocentric: regarding humankind as the central or most important element of existence 79 Harrison, A. L. (2012), Architectural Theories of the Environment: Posthuman Territory. p.293 80 Harrison, A. L. (2012), Architectural Theories of the Environment: Posthuman Territory. p.293 81 Harrison, A. L. (2012), Architectural Theories of the Environment: Posthuman Territory. p.293

The mnemonic details of The Restored Commonwealth Club considers the design of ‘human / non-human interfaces’79 fusing the role of the loci and the ‘artificial memory’, resulting in the members forming the ‘trans-species’ mnemonic details. As a result the assemblage of ‘trans-species’ mnemonic details ‘displaces humans as the sole producers of knowledge, and agency emerges through the performance of the assemblage.’80 The altered relationship of the collective of human members and the ‘trans-species’ mnemonic details appoints the ‘fundamental questioning of architecture’s anthropocentrism’81 generated within the neutral environments of the Physical and Immersive Realms. If the ‘trans-species’ mnemonic detail still represent and perform as loci to access and navigate a ‘surrogate reality’ formulated by the collective members ‘artificial memory’. What would the Immersive Realm consist of whilst retaining the ideological charge of The Restored Commonwealth Club? 73

03- Synthesis

The Restored Commonwealth Club, Door Push Plate Two examples of the ‘trans-species’ mnemonic detail are currently located within The Restored Commonwealth Club. The first example being the ‘Door push plate of the Cloakroom’ Figure 34, which is closely linked to the current role of the club mnemonic detail. The Restored Commonwealth Club’s, ‘Door push plate of the Cloakroom’:

Figure 34 Door Push Plate to the Cloakroom 05.2013 The Restored Commonwealth Club - Adam Bell 82 Who is Head of The Commonwealth? HM Queen Elizabeth II. The Head of The Commonwealth’s role includes, a number of symbolic functions. Who will be the next Head of The Commonwealth? The choice of successive Heads will be made collectively by Commonwealth leaders. thecommonwealth.org/faqs

Formation:

The mnemonic detail reveals the formation of the club following the demise of the British Empire. Clearly defining the loci as the hand over of Hong Kong in 1997.

Affiliation:

The ‘Door push plate’ demonstrates the transcendental ties to the old British Empire and the current Commonwealth whilst under the stewardship of the Queen.

Ideology:

The mnemonic detail contains an underlying desire to survive and constantly aspires for future growth and resurgence of The Commonwealth. The club considers itself as the head of The Commonwealth, the symbolic role and the Queen/monarchy to remain in the secondary role. 82

The mnemonic detail responds to the touch of the member as they enter the Cloakroom, forming an interface to share the knowledge of the club. The ‘Door push plate’ constantly evolves as the touch of the member transfers their data back into the mnemonic detail. This takes the current relationship of the member and the mnemonic detail to the next level:

The mnemonic detail acts as the loci for the member to navigate the Physical and Immersive Realms of the club.

The member acts as the loci for mnemonic detail to navigate the Physical and Immersive Realms of the member. 75

03- Synthesis

The Restored Commonwealth Club, Library Window Figure 35 Library Window 03.2014 The Restored Commonwealth Club - Adam Bell 83 Trans-species: humans and non-humans share commonalities in cognition (thinking) and emotions (feelings) 84 Garcia,M. (2010), The Diagrams of Architecture Spiller, N., Spatial Notation and the Magical Operations of Collage in the Post-Digital Age. p.180

The second example of The Restored Commonwealth Club’s ‘trans-species’83 mnemonic detail is the ‘Library Window’. The ‘Library Window’ deals with the strains of the Restored Commonwealth Club Empire Clock Figure 27, that dictates the ‘time’84 and structures of The Restored Commonwealth Club. The Physical aspect of the window controls the levels of light to the library, reacting to the time of the Empire Clock and the requirements of the archives and mnemonic details within the library. 77

03- Synthesis

The Restored Commonwealth Club, Library Window Figure 36 Library Window: cill joint infection 03.2014 The Restored Commonwealth Club - Adam Bell 85 Rendell, J. (1999), The Clubs of St James’s: Places of Public Patriarchy, Exclusivity, Domesticity and Secrecy - The Journal of Architecture. p.277 86 Black balling: to reject (a candidate) by placing a blackball in the ballot box, signifying a negative vote. dictionary.reference.com/browse/blackballed 87 Trans-species: humans and non-humans share commonalities in cognition (thinking) and emotions (feelings)

The window also re-introduces aspects of the current clubs of ‘black balling’ and ‘fratriarchy’.85 ‘Black balling’86, comes in the form of an infection, similar to the negative bodily response following a medical procedure. The infection goes black and restricts the function of the window, this then has an affect on the surrounding archives and mnemonic details. The ‘black balling’ infection can be caused by interactions with human members and the application of new ‘trans-species’87 mnemonic details near the window, resulting in an altered fratriarchical arrangement. 79

Conclusion

Conclusion This paper proposed to study the reliance on the mnemonic detail within the Gentlemen’s club. The mnemonic detail refers to artefacts that have been collected and the architectural detail that has been commissioned to both the external and internal areas of the club house which have a transcendental tie to the formation, affiliation and aspiration of the selected club. This thesis focused on the relationships of the mnemonic detail to the collective of members and how they are both equally fundamental to establish, maintain and enhance the club, in the Physical and Immersive Realms. The major limitation of the study was the necessity to obtain membership to enter the selected Gentlemen’s club. Site visits were undertaken to The Oriental Club and The Commonwealth Club, the requirement to be accompanied was relevant when touring both clubhouses.

Figure 37 Falklands Ashtray 01.2014 The Restored Commonwealth Club - Adam Bell 88 89

Ford, E.R. (2011), The Architectural Detail. Princeton Architectural Press. Princeton p.22 Ford, E.R. (2011), The Architectural Detail. Princeton Architectural Press. Princeton p.22

‘The understanding that’ mnemonic ‘details may be found within the architectural strategy, and that strategy may be found in the’ mnemonic ‘details, is a recognition that a’ club house ‘may carry certain resonances of a wider context.’88 ‘The relationship between strategy and’ mnemonic ‘detail necessitates the making of rules for the design of the’ club house ‘and its construction. These rules act as data against which to measure the appropriateness of the’ mnemonic ‘detail and also sustain the strategy.’89 83

Conclusion Conclusion

Figure 38 Bronze lampshade: 2.5d 12.2013 The Restored Commonwealth Club - Adam Bell An animation of the Restored Commonwealth Club has been developed using the drawings of the project. The drawings have been adapted to form 2.5d scenes in which the camera passes from one scene to another. In reference to both the drawings and the animation the view is always from a singular point of view. This is in contrast to the relationship of the collective of members and the mnemonic detail. The mnemonic details are observed in a collective gaze. A form of drawing and animation is to be developed to indicate a collective observational gaze. This also asks the question as to how the drawing/s and animation/s should be observed. Do the drawings and animations have datamosh qualities, utilising the compression and fusion of multiple artefacts? The drawings and animations could become pieces that are constantly evolving feeding off the observational gaze of the collective that view and watch. Do the drawings and animations have augmented qualities? The drawings and animations could become augmented pieces that provide multiple aspects that the collective of observers could engage with. 90 Trans-species: humans and non-humans share commonalities in cognition (thinking) and emotions (feelings) 91 Evolution of The Commonwealth Club: Colonial Society 1870-1869 Royal Colonial Society 1869 Royal Colonial Institute 1870-1939 Royal Empire Society 1939-1958 Royal Commonwealth Society 1958-present Closure of The Commonwealth Club 2013 92 Ford, E.R. (2011), The Architectural Detail. Princeton Architectural Press. Princeton p.24 93 Appendix: Digital Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club p.92 - p.103 94 Harrison, A. L. (2012), Architectural Theories of the Environment: Posthuman Territory. p.293 95 Anthropocentric: regarding humankind as the central or most important element of existence

This thesis has studied mnemonic details that are currently located within the selected clubs, The Two Faced Clock: Boodles The Library: The Oriental Club The Empire Clock: The Commonwealth Club, through to the future mnemonic details of the club, Door Push Plate: The Restored Commonwealth Club Library Window: The Restored Commonwealth Club, proposing the ‘trans-species’90 mnemonic detail. The use of the mnemonic detail ensures that the ideology is enforced which in turn allows the club to survive. The key study that re-enforces this statement is the current state of The Commonwealth Club. The alienation of the mnemonic detail, The Empire Clock Figure 19, following the internal architectural detailing alterations to the clubhouse implemented by The Royal Commonwealth Society in 1998 resulted in a series of poor relationships in the Physical Realm. This included the fluctuating club origins, neglecting past affiliations and attempts to start the club again in 1998 91 which failed to make any reference to the past or current ideology of The Commonwealth. This lead to the ‘defused’ mnemonic detail, the current Empire Clock, which could not act as a loci in either the Physical or Immersive Realms, and the eventual closure of the Commonwealth Club in 2013. Details express what the basic idea of the design requires at the relevant point in the object: belonging or separation, tension or lightness, friction, solidity, fragility....Details, when they are successful, are not mere decoration....They lead to an understanding of the whole of which they are an inherent part.’ 92

In the case of the selected clubs the mnemonic details form loci to navigate the clubhouse and ‘surrogate reality’ whilst referring to the formation, affiliation and aspirations of the club in the Physical and Immersive Realms. The study of the mnemonic detail conducted for this thesis focused on the role within two of the realms occupied by the selected clubs, the Physical and Immersive Realms. The study could be taken further by looking into other realms that the selected clubs occupy, such as the Digital Realm. An initial study of the Digital Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club is located in the Appendix. 93 The future mnemonic detail, the ‘trans-species’ mnemonic detail focused on the relationship with the collective of members, leading to the possible fusion of the member and the mnemonic detail, proposing a new form of club in the process. The ‘trans-species’ mnemonic details ‘displaces humans as the sole producers of knowledge.’94 This in turn discards the premise of clubs ‘as specifically human environments, proposing a gentlemen’s/non-anthropocentric 95 club, The Restored Commonwealth Club. 85

Conclusion

Conclusion I have come to realise that The Restored Commonwealth Club is my ‘surrogate reality’. My paracosm 96 uses existing loci, such as the Empire Clock of the Commonwealth Club to form an Immersive Realm. Just as the selected club’s ‘surrogate reality’ has been questioned whether it is a coping mechanism, I have applied the same question to myself and The Restored Commonwealth Club. Figure 39 Mirror View: Cloakroom 05.2013 The Restored Commonwealth Club - Adam Bell 96 Morris,M. (2013), Future Cities 2: Other Worlds - Paracosmic Overture. p.13 ‘Paracosm is a neologism from the 1970s, used to describe a detailed and consistently imaginary world with its own geography, weather, customs and even language. By definition, a paracosm originates in childhood fantasy and persists into adulthood as a personal creative laboratory. It can be fantastic or based largely on reality.’ 97 Architectural practice based in Maidstone: employed from 2007-present (02.04.2014)

To a certain extent The Restored Commonwealth Club acts as a point of refuge from the monotonous work of the architectural practice that I currently work for 97. This enforces the ideology of the paracosm acting as a coping mechanism, in which I am applying to both my design and this thesis. The research undertaken to produce this study of the mnemonic detail of the gentlemen’s club could be applied to the maintenance of two of the selected clubs, Boodles and The Oriental Club. Should the Royal Commonwealth Society decide to reincarnate the Commonwealth Club, the research of the current and future mnemonic detail could be applied, as well as extending The Restored Commonwealth Club, my ‘surrogate reality’. 87

Bibliography

Bibliography Borges,J.L. (2000) New Edition, Fictions Ford, E.R. (2009), Five Houses, Ten Details. Princeton ISBN-10: 0141183845 Architectural Press. Princeton ISBN-13: 978-0141183848 ISBN-10: 1568988265 ISBN-13: 978-1568988269 Braidotti, R. (2013), The Posthuman ISBN-10: 074564158X Ford, E.R. (2011), The Architectural Detail. Princeton ISBN-13: 978-0745641584 Architectural Press. Princeton ISBN-10: 1568989784 Buchli,V.; Lucas,G. (2001), Archaeologies of the ISBN-13: 978-1568989785 contemporary past ISBN-10: 0415232791 Garcia, Mark (2010), The Diagrams of Architecture ISBN-13: 978-0415232791 ISBN-10: 0470519452 ISBN-13: 978-0470519455 Burroughs,W. (2010), Naked Lunch: The Restored Text ISBN-10: 0007341903 Gissen, D. (2010), Territory: Architecture Beyond ISBN-13: 978-0007341900 Environment (Architectural Design) ISBN-10: 0470721650 Campbell,J.W.P. (2013), The Library: A World History ISBN-13: 978-0470721650 Photographer: Pryce,W. ISBN-10: 0500342881 ISBN-13: 978-0500342886 Cook,P. (2008), Drawing: The Motive Force of Architecture (Architectural Design Primer) ISBN-10: 0470034815 ISBN-13: 978-0470034811 Eco,U. (2012), The infinity of Lists ISBN-10: 1906694893 ISBN-13: 978-1906694890 Eco,U. (2013), The Book of Legendary Lands ISBN-10: 085705287X ISBN-13: 978-0857052872 Ford, E.R. (2004), The Details of Modern Architecture: v.1. Princeton Architectural Press. Princeton ISBN-10: 0262562014 ISBN-13: 978-0262562010 Ford, E.R. (2004), The Details of Modern Architecture: 1928-1988 v. 2. Princeton Architectural Press. Princeton ISBN-10: 0262562022 ISBN-13: 978-0262562027 90

Harrison, A. L. (2012), Architectural Theories of the Environment: Posthuman Territory ISBN-10: 0415506190 ISBN-13: 978-0415506199 Huxley, A. (1954), Doors of Perception ISBN-10: 0099458209 ISBN-13: 978-0099458203 Huxley, A. (2004) Brave New World Revisited, Vintage Classics. ISBN-10: 0099458233 ISBN-13: 978-0099458234 Huxley, A. (2007) Brave New World, Vintage Classics. ISBN-10: 0099518473 ISBN-13: 978-0099518471 Johansen,J.M. (2002), Nanoarchitecture ISBN-10: 1568983018 ISBN-13: 978-1568983011 Koolhaas, R. (1978) Delirious New York, Definitive Instability: The Downtown Athletic Club CIP/ISBN 90-6450-211-0

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Rendell, J. (1999), The Clubs of St James’s: Places of Public Patriarchy, Exclusivity, Domesticity and Secrecy - The Journal of Architecture. Re printed by permission of Taylor and Francis Ltd. - Intimus: Interior Design Theory Reader, edited by Taylor, M. & Preston, J. (2006) Lyotard, J-F. (2010) Bilingual edition, Les ISBN-13 978-0-470-01570-4 (HB) 978-0-470-01571-1 Transformateurs Duchamp / Duchamp’s TRANS/ (PB) formers ISBN-10: 9058677907 Rendell,J.; Penner,B.; Borden,I. (1999), Gender Space ISBN-13: 978-9058677907 Architecture: An Interdisciplinary Introduction Masters,C. (1995), Dali ISBN-10: 0415172535 ISBN-10: 071483338X ISBN-13: 978-0415172530 ISBN-13: 978-0714833385 Rendell,J. (2005) The Pursuit of Pleasure: Gender, Mauriès,P. (2011), Cabinets of Curiosities Space and Architecture in Regency London ISBN-10: 0500515948 ISBN-13: 978-0500515945 University of Greenwich School of Architecture and Construction, Aling,M., Armstrong,R. (2013), Future Milne-Smith, A. (2011), London Clubland: A Cultural Cities: Other Worlds Conference 2013: Volume 2 History of Gender and Class in late-Victorian Britain ISBN-10: 1909155020 ISBN-10: 0230120768 ISBN-13: 978-1909155022 ISBN-13: 978-0230120761 Vinge,V. (2006), Rainbows End Mcluhan,M. (2008), The Medium is the Massage: An ISBN-10: 0312856849 Inventory of Effects ISBN-13: 978-0312856847 ISBN-10: 014103582X ISBN-13: 978-0141035826 Yates,F. (1992), The Art of Memory ISBN-10: 071265545X Spiller,N. (2001), Lost Architectures ISBN-13: 978-0712655453 ISBN-10: 0471495352 ISBN-13: 978-0471495352 Yates,F. (2002), Giordano Bruno and the Hermetic Lejeune, A. (2012), The Gentlemen’s Clubs of London ISBN-10: 190676820X ISBN-13: 978-1906768201

Tradition (Routledge Classics) Spiller,N. (2007), Visionary Architecture: Blueprints of ISBN-10: 041527849X the Modern Imagination ISBN-13: 978-0415278492 ISBN-10: 0500286558 ISBN-13: 978-0500286555 Spiller,N. (2011), Protocell Architecture: AD (Architectural Design). ISBN-10: 0470748281 ISBN-13: 978-0470748282 Spiller,N. (2013), Drawing Architecture AD (Architectural Design). ISBN-10: 1118418794 ISBN-13: 978-1118418796 91

Appendix Digital Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club

Appendix Digital Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club Virtual Essence of the Club The Social Experience Boodles The Oriental Club The Commonwealth Club 93

Appendix Digital Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club

Virtual Essence of the Club The appendix of this thesis currently shows the initial stages of the investigation into the Digital Realm occupied by the selected Gentlemen’s clubs and could be taken further in a new study. The initial study of the Digital Realm assesses the existing protocols developed by the selected clubs, how the spatial arrangements have been co-ordinated in such a way that the layout enforces the criteria of the club and the flow of social networking. As social networking has developed, the study will assess how the clubs have developed with technological advances going from a personal relationship to a digital profile. As the selected clubs have decided to develop websites a number of questions arise. How do the clubs attitudes feed into a digital space? How do the sites impose the beliefs to a new realm? How does this impact current and prospective members? This investigation will analyse a range of existing club websites, comparing the layout of the sites to the layouts of the physical clubs alongside their points of interest in which the club’s originated and developed. A key interest is in the attitude to the use of the club/club site to non-members. Is it possible for them to access the site and, if so, how far can they go?

Figure 40 The Social Network 2010 David Fincher stillsfrmfilms.wordpress.com

As the selected clubs have chosen to develop an online presence to adapt to the requirements of the members, a junction is developed between the physical and digital sites of the institutions. The critical point to negotiate is the balance of the traditions and beliefs that have been established since the formation of the club whilst attempting to portray the virtual essence of the club to form the new club house extension that projects into the public domain. 95

Appendix Digital Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club

The Social Experience The main difference between the physical sites and the digital sites is how the spaces are viewed. The physical sites were originally used as meeting spaces, resulting in an ever growing forum that always offers fresh perceptions on topics of discussion. These spaces are used to accommodate a collective of members, forming a collective gaze. The spaces of the physical site are never seen from a singular point of view. The collective gaze can never be achieved with the websites. The sites offer a new platform for the club’s to reveal parts of their history and affiliation to the public in a similar fashion to the external alterations to the clubhouses, most notably the Bow window of Whites. The websites are in fact a new extension of the clubhouse. The websites of the Gentlemen’s clubs have a number of similarities to ‘The Social Network’98. The film uncovers the origins of Facebook. The original site ‘The Facebook’ took note of the existing facebook sites of the various campuses of Harvard University as well as numerous Universities located within the United States. The original sites created by the educational institutions were merely reference points for students. Zuckerberg took the template and manipulated them to form the first Facebook site. ‘People want to go online and check out their friends, so why not build a website that offers that? Friends, pictures, profiles, whatever you can visit, browse around, maybe it’s someone you just met at a party. Eduardo, I’m not talking about a dating site, I’m talking about taking the entire social experience of college and putting it online.’ 99 (Mark Zuckerberg - ‘The Social Network’ - Fincher,D. 2010)

Figure 41 Facebook login page 2014 Facebook.com 98 99

Fincher, D. (2010), The Social Network Fincher, D. (2010), The Social Network

The website is an attempt to mimic the experience of its origins, in this case the college experience. The film also delves into the world of the elitist final club’s of the area, notably the Phoenix-SK and Porcellian. This shows the roles of fraternity, hierarchy and exclusion. The club’s were seen as a better place that lead to a better life, and if you were not part of the Club it was not worth living. Zuckerberg took elements of this philosophy and applied it to his site. This can be seen clearly on the Facebook homepage, if you haven’t got an account you cannot enter. Original only set up for students of Harvard, then other educational institutions of the United States before the formation of the Global Club it is today. The site today is split into millions of small Clubs that revolve around individual members. 97

Appendix Digital Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club

Boodles The homepage layout is very similar to Facebook, only offering a small insight to non-members. The only forms of information are located on the initial home page, a contacts page that indicates the clubhouse location, and the log in page that has the same layout as Facebook. The website has a number of parallels with the physical club, the main aspect being the selective nature of members and how far non-members can go. The non-members have no chance of gaining further knowledge from the website.

Figure 42 Homepage, Contact page, log in page 2014 Boodles.org

The only images on the site are the club’s emblem and the location map on the contacts page and a painting of the front elevation. This reverts back to the impact of the club on the public domain and in this case, closed off. The study of Boodles’ website is the accounts of a non-member. Due to this the access to the content of the digital site and the physical site is limited to the homepage and the front door respectively. 99

100

Appendix Digital Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club

The Oriental Club The Oriental Club website is much more open to the public. Like the Boodles homepage the site is surrounded by the club’s colours with the emblem featured at the top of the screen on all the pages, the emblem acts as the homepage return button. The centre of the page is dominated by a rolling picture gallery that acts as the ‘Bow window’ the detail that offers the initial glimpse into the spaces of the club. ‘The bow window...allowed the occupants of the Club to display their ‘conspicuous consumption’ or their dress and leisure time to the public.’100 A group of three frames are located below the main gallery space, immediately indicating the main services provided to the public. Just like the Boodles site and Facebook the log in link is located to the top right hand corner. This takes the user to the log in page that just requests a user name and password. This follows the arrangement of the physical site, allowing the public to engage with certain areas of the premises but to restrict access to multiple areas of the club that only members can occupy. Figure 43 Homepage Contact page 2014 Orientalclub.org.uk 100

Rendell, J. (2002), The Pursuit of Pleasure: Gender, Space and Architecture in Regency London. p.74

The contacts page provides a location map, information on how to travel to the site and where to park a car should you choose to drive. The page continues to go into finer detail to include dress code appropriate for areas of the club. Consistent on all the pages is a menu bar that is located beneath the elephant emblem. This offers a greater insight to various parts of the club including membership. 101

102

Appendix Digital Realm of the Gentlemen’s Club

The Commonwealth Club The website for the Commonwealth Club ceases to function but when it was online it was a branch of the Royal Commonwealth Society website, due to this I will use the Commonwealth Society website for the study. First of all the site is very plain and neutral when compared to the strong colours that are associated with the previous two club websites, Boodle’s burgundy and the Oriental Club’s royal blue. The Royal Commonwealth Society’s website, Figure 44, colour range fits in with the physical site of the club, Figures 30 & 31, a lot of the space covered in either white or grey with neutral and natural finishes. A very large image space is located in the centre of the screen that the user must control to alter the image and in turn the link. The Royal Commonwealth Society emblem is ever present on all of the pages visited with a menu bar below that allows access to further pages. The contact page is completely different to the other sites researched. Instead of copying a location map from Google the page offers direct links to individuals that work on behalf of the society. The log in feature again is located in the top right hand corner that takes the user to a new page to enter their individual user name and password. The site also provides a history page that is orientated around a time line that identifies specific moments of the Club, Society and the Commonwealth. The latest entry states the move from Northumberland Avenue to the new offices. The entry before that states the closure of the Commonwealth Club. The significant difference between this site to the others is the use of social media, immediately visible at the top of all the pages, links to :

Figure 44 Homepage, Contact page, log in page 2014 Thercs.org

youtube.com linkedin.com facebook.com twitter.com On a number of pages a live twitter feed appears on the left hand side of the screen, this could be seen as an attempt to link back to one of the original objectives of the society, a centre to exchange ideas. 103

104

List of Figures

105

List of Figures Figure 01 Reading room looking into the Library of the Oriental Club 27.10.2012 Photograph: Adam Bell Figure 02 Back of house: Oriental Club 27.10.2012 Photograph: Adam Bell Figure 03 Empire Clock drawings: The Royal Commonwealth Society 27.10.2012 Photograph: Adam Bell Figure 04 Aerial Photograph - St. James’ Square Photograph: Jason Hawkes Source: stock.jasonhawkes.com/media/f01b42c0-33ad11e1-8314-fb97ef9c0eaa-aerial-view-over-st-james-ssquare-and-green-park-london Figure 05 Piano performance preparation: Oriental Club 27.10.2012 Photograph: Adam Bell Figure 06 ‘The Birth of Venus’ Artist: Sandro Botticelli 1486 upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/14/Birth_ of_Venus_Botticelli.jpg Figure 07 Progress of Library - leading to Attlee Reading Room 02.2014 The Restored Commonwealth Club - Adam Bell Figure 08 Clubland site plan 11.2013 Adam Bell Figure 09 St. James’ Square 08.04.2009

Figure 11 White’s Bow Window - Front elevation detail pinterest.com - media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x /9e/9e/cd/9e9ecdd1ca7857b638fb38bba185ab16.jpg Figure 12 Boodles Floor Plans 1804 british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=40621 Figure 13 Boodles Two Faced Clock detail drawing John Cruden & John Buonarotti 1821 RIBApix.com Figure 14 Oriental Club library: cabinet 27.10.2012 Photograph: Adam Bell Figure 15 Oriental Club library 27.10.2012 Photograph: Adam Bell Figure 16 Oriental Club library 27.10.2012 Photograph: Adam Bell Figure 17 Royal Commonwealth Society Sites - site plan 11.2013 Adam Bell Figure 18 Commonwealth Club Reception 27.10.2012 Photograph: Adam Bell Figure 19 Commonwealth Club Restaurant Hall: Empire Clock 27.10.2012

upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/33/St_ James%27s_Square%2C_London_-_April_2009.jpg

Photograph: Adam Bell

Figure 10 Carlton Club: Painting of Margaret Thatcher Leonard Boden 02.05.2013

Figure 20 The Empire Clock manual: The Royal Commonwealth Society 27.10.2012

Photograph: tobybirch.com/wp-content/ uploads/2013/05/Margaret-Thatcher.jpg

Photograph: Adam Bell

106

List of Figures Figure 21 The Hall of Names Jerusalem, Museo Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the Jewish Holocaust victims 2005 vosizneias.com Figure 22 Bronze Lampshade 04.2013 The Restored Commonwealth Club - Adam Bell Figure 23 Oriental Club library 27.10.2012 Photograph: Adam Bell Figure 24 The Anthropomorphic Cabinet 1936 Salvador Dalí Figure 25 Enter The Void 2011 Gaspar Noé stillsfrmfilms.wordpress.com Figure 26 Kandors Jablonka Galerie, Berlin, Germany 2007 Mike Kelley - mikekelley.com Figure 27 The Empire Clock 12.2013 The Restored Commonwealth Club - Adam Bell Figure 28 Ga-twistedchrist Neil Spiller - lebbeuswoods.wordpress.com Published: 19.03.2011 Figure 29 Commonwealth Club: Empire Clock Manual 27.10.2012 Photograph: Adam Bell Figure 30 Commonwealth Club Restaurant 27.10.2012 Photograph: Adam Bell Figure 31 Commonwealth Club Restaurant Hall: Empire Clock 27.10.2012 Photograph: Adam Bell

Figure 32 Old Age XIV Steven C. Harvey 2012 stevenharvey.wix.com Figure 33 Mnemonic flesh detail - elevation 03.2013 The Restored Commonwealth Club - Adam Bell Figure 34 Door Push Plate to the Cloakroom 05.2013 The Restored Commonwealth Club - Adam Bell Figure 35 Library Window 03.2014 The Restored Commonwealth Club - Adam Bell Figure 36 Library Window: cill joint infection 03.2014 The Restored Commonwealth Club - Adam Bell Figure 37 Falklands Ashtray 01.2014 The Restored Commonwealth Club - Adam Bell Figure 38 Bronze lampshade: 2.5d 12.2013 The Restored Commonwealth Club - Adam Bell Figure 39 Mirror View: Cloakroom 05.2013 The Restored Commonwealth Club - Adam Bell Figure 40 The Social Network 2010 David Fincher stillsfrmfilms.wordpress.com Figure 41 Facebook login page 2014 Facebook.com Figure 42 Homepage, Contact page, log in page 2014 Boodles.org 107

List of Figures Figure 43 Homepage Contact page 2014 Orientalclub.org.uk Figure 44 Homepage, Contact page, log in page 2014 Thercs.org

108

109