Code and Clay, Data and Dirt: Five Thousand Years of Urban Media
In Code and Clay, Data and Dirt, Shannon Mattern surveys five thousand years of urban media, linking ancient clay inscriptions and dirt-based infrastructures to modern data systems and code. The book reveals how these elements have molded cities, blending material history with technological evolution to illuminate the essence of urban life.
About This Book
Code and Clay, Data and Dirt examines the deep historical connections between urban environments and media technologies. Spanning five thousand years, the book traces how cities have been constructed and understood through various forms of media, from ancient clay tablets to modern digital data systems.
Author Shannon Mattern draws on a wide range of examples to illustrate the material foundations of urban life. She highlights the ways in which dirt, infrastructure, and data converge to define metropolitan spaces across time.
The narrative connects historical practices with contemporary urban challenges, offering insights into how media influences the physical and social fabric of cities. This exploration underscores the enduring role of media in shaping urban experiences.
Through this lens, readers gain a broader appreciation for the technologies that underpin urban development, from rudimentary recording methods to advanced computational tools.
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