minor and deceptive détournements. Minor détournements are defined as “the détournement of an element which has no importance in itself and which thus draws all its meaning from the new context in which it has been placed.”25 Similar to inflected elements, minor détourned elements relate to something outside themselves. However, in addition to possessing inflection, détournement redefines what is existing, instead of simply informing, directing, or connecting to existing elements. Having inflection and détournement in concert with each other is the primary condition that needs to be met in order to begin constructing queer space. Second is deceptive détournements, defined as “the détournement of an intrinsically significant element, which derives a different scope from the new context.”26 This category of détournement can be used to describe Scarpa’s adaptive intervention at the Querini Stampalia in Italy. Scarpa created his own method of renovating the building through layering new meaning onto the existing structure with elements that could be read as wholes in themselves while still maintaining cohesion between each component. Debord and Wolman express that “the
25
Guy Debord and Gil Wolman, "A User’s Guide to Détournement"
26
Guy Debord and Gil Wolman, "A User’s Guide to Détournement"
Queer Tectonics: Unfolding Liminal Space
26
Figure 2.10 The theatre company Punch Drunk unveils their new immersive show, “The Burnt City”. 2021. Image by Julian Abrams. https://www.punchdrunk. com
