The instrument I am creating, the arch-scope, allows us to look at the changes of the body in a space in the different scales and will condensate them and their transformations in one space. A tool is usually understood as a device that measures something. Contrary, the arch-scope does
not measure but shows and registers images of the reality from a variety of scales. This is a huge ambition and to aim it is necessary to be able to look at all the scales and in-betweens with only one instrument. However, there is no existing tool that can jump from one scale to the other without big struggles. Therefore, it is important to understand how such an instrument should work in order to achieve it.
To aim to create this tool seems pertinent to look at existing instruments that already show us some of the scales this thesis focuses on. On the micro-scale, we have a microscope that looks at microorganisms so scientists can go further in their studies and bring new solutions to society. It is “an instrument used in scientific study for making very small things look larger so that you can examine them carefully”1. On the macro-scale, we can use the telescope to look at the distant planets in our milky way or even further, so astronomers can study what is outside the earth and even prevent some possible fatalities. It is “a piece of equipment (…) that you look through to make objects that are far away appear larger and nearer”2. Both instruments alter reality in order to show it to us in a way we can observe it clearer. We are always an outsider of the systems they show us. What do these existing instruments have to look at things? Even if tthey focus on completely opposite scales, they still share main elements and if I want to create a new tool, I might have to incorporate them too. Elements such as lenses, objectives, stage, and structure are the basic ones but in different forms.
1. short mirror
2. long mirror
3. inner cap
4. cover
5. peephole
6. ring cover
7. general cover
8. inner structure
9. opaque side of mirror
10. plane mirror
11. viewing ring cover
12. observer ring cover
13. mirror cut
14. structure cut
Nevertheless, a lot of these kinds of instruments work with mirrors, light, and reflections to show an image. The kaleidoscope, most popular for being a child’s toy, is an existing optical instrument that contains mirrors at different angles in order to create interesting patterns due to reflection when looking from one side to the other. This tool usually incorporates loose, colored pieces of paper or glass that are rotated in order to get various changing and reflected images of the materials. According to the light received and the materials, the kaleidoscopes create a distorted image inside them to show to the viewer.
Using the same logic and techniques of the kaleidoscopes, the arch-scope that is able to look at the micro scale on one open side, the macro-scale on the opposite one, and the in-between scales entering through small slots in the instrument, so all the different scales are reflected at the same time and come together in one space. When using the arch-scope we look at the reality and the changes of a body inside a space, which are magnified and looked at from a different perspective that allows us to look at the invisible realms where our natural senses can no longer perceive their details unaided.
This master thesis creates one version of the arch-scope, however many other shapes can be done in order to look at the reality from other different experiences. Technical drawings are made in order to prove that the instrument can be done, and everybody could make their own version. Better images and distorted, interesting effects can be achieved when investing on each element. Nevertheless, to have this experience and look from this new perspective, no designer or architect is neglected from it.
