Performativity and the domestic space. Practices of embodied dwelling through enactivism, participation, and auto-construction.

This paper examines the transformative potential of performativity in reimagining the
concept of dwelling and of domestic spaces. Drawing from enactivist and embodied
cognition perspectives, we delve into the dynamic relationship between individuals, their
bodies, and the architectural environment. Emphasising the role of bodily engagement,
sensorimotor experiences, and interoceptive awareness, we explore how individuals
actively participate in and shape their architectural surroundings. Moving beyond
individual interactions, we also highlight the social and collective dynamics influenced
by the built environment, underscoring the impact of cultural conventions and societal
norms.
This paper investigates some contributions that advocate for a reappropriation of
institutionalised domestic spaces through imaginative interventions that challenge
conventional norms and envision future-oriented dwelling practices. Within the context
of institutionalised domestic spaces, we investigate the role of the fantastical and the
monstrous as disordered qualities that challenge traditional boundaries and offer
opportunities for transformation. Through case studies, we examine projects that blur the
lines between public and private realms, enabling participatory practices and urban
influences to reshape functional space utilisation.
In conclusion, this paper underscores the importance of a dialogue between embodied
performativity and the concept of dwelling. It proposes a re-evaluation of our relationship
with space that is not just functional but enactive, and it champions the transformative
potential of the arts in conceiving our future homes. With a renewed focus on
sustainability, participation, and the interplay between the human body and space, we can
begin to imagine a future of dwelling that is as dynamic, inclusive, and vibrant as the lives
we wish to live within these spaces.