Northumbria University
In May we visited Alan St Clair Gibson at Northumbria University to have a look at their research on the effect of running on the body and the mind. How many breaths per minute can the body take? What chemicals are released, and is their effect physical or mental? What happens to our consciousness when in a state of extreme fatigue? What are the chemical implications that generate the state of 'flow' when running? 

We were really fascinated to hear Alan answer our questions, and were particularly fascinated to find out about studies of the inner dialogue when running, and the conflict between the 'reporting and directional' voices. We are considering how the physical responses in the runners body can function as a strategy in the editing and narrative building in The Order of Things.  


The Appearance of Bridges
Our research has over the past few months revolved around the Bupa Great North Run route and its material and structural surrounding. In the City Library we came a cross this beautiful and insightful book (see below) as well as some architectural gems in the form of City Council meeting minutes about the aesthetics of motorway engineering.