Rules for the Expression of Architectural Desires is made up of 24 speculative schemes, devices, and instruments for the urban and social re-design of a city. Each of these is written with the intention of promoting the expression of architectural desires, although it is unclear whether they will change the city for better or worse. These Rules were first written in 2014 during DBBD’s residency at ZK/U Center for Art and Urbanistics in Berlin, Germany. The two single-channel videos were shot in Berlin as well. Rules is accompanied by a long-format essay that DBBD authored (also on display as a browsable small-format booklet in the installation), which emerged as a response to the display and design approaches being adopted at the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s “Singapore City Gallery”, which showcases the island’s dramatic transformation over the past 50 years through interactive and immersive exhibits. For DBBD, the Singapore City Gallery is a prime instance of “futurism” and “utopia” being offered as a consumable to the public. The 24 Rules are then parody and slogan. The version of Rules being considered for acquisition was specially adapted for WIKICLIKI: Collecting Habits on an Earth Filled with Smartphones, 2021
