SUBVERTING THE TYRANNY

OF THE CORPORATE MAP

A THEORETICAL BACKGROUND AND FIVE SUGGESTIONS
BABAK FAKHAMZADEH · FAKH@MZADEH.COM · @MASTABABA
PROBLEM: UNDESIRED
UNIFICATION

• We rely on ever fewer, more unified, tools to

guide us; we use a small array of mobile apps.

• The source data is very limited; very few

players provide broad enough data.

• ‘Winner-takes-all’ model in discovery.

• We have a desire for a unique experience.
• False prophet of personalisation.
BABAK FAKHAMZADEH
CAUSE: COMMERCIALISATION
OF SOCIETY

• Commercialisation of the public sphere since

World War II.

• Technological advancement and raised

income do not balance increased social
dysfunction.

• Social relations through objects, not lived

experience and fulfilment of authentic desires.

• Focus on production (for the system) and

survival (for the individual).

BABAK FAKHAMZADEH
PIONEERING COUNTER-
NARRATIVES

• Letterist International
• Situationists
• Fluxus
• LaTourEx

BABAK FAKHAMZADEH
THE DÉRIVE
STRATEGY 1

Let yourself be drawn by the attractions of the

terrain and the encounters you find, creating a
personalised experience that can not be
replicated.

BABAK FAKHAMZADEH
GUERRILLA TOURISM
STRATEGY 2

Go off the pathway and construct alternative

narratives through the act of transgressing
boundaries, contesting and reshaping the
hegemony of consumption-led urban
development.

BABAK FAKHAMZADEH
TRAVEL LIKE A
REPORTER
STRATEGY 3

For your destination, pick a ‘lens’, subject or

topic, and focus on that topic as if you’re
obsessive-compulsive, as if you’re required to
write a thesis on the topic once you’ve
returned from your destination.

BABAK FAKHAMZADEH
ADD FRICTION
STRATEGY 4

The joy is in the journey. Don’t take that Uber,

take public transport. Don’t fly, go overland.
Don’t pull out that map, go by what feels right.

Take your time and more closely observe your

surroundings as you move forward,
engendering a sense of discovery.

BABAK FAKHAMZADEH
LISTEN
STRATEGY 5

Use more of your senses to give meaning to

the environment you find yourself in.

Leave your comfort zone. Miau!

BABAK FAKHAMZADEH
OVERARCHING CONNECTION
WHAT CONNECTS THESE STRATEGIES?

All these strategies allow you to take a step back, and to engender mindfulness.

They nudge you to rely more on your own capacities, as opposed to handing over agency
and trusting the technology in your pocket.

Put yourself into the moment, take responsibility, while being more aware of the
possibilities at your disposal as you move through public space.

Make more active decisions, and take back agency over your own actions.

BABAK FAKHAMZADEH