Éric Sadin Boeken

This investigation explores the complex nature and significant impact of recent developments in our information society, driven by the rapid expansion of digital technology and telecommunication networks. Urban spaces serve as laboratories for experiencing the density of signs, including signage, giant screens, signboards, architecture, advertisements, surveillance technologies, and tracking devices. The project began in Kyoto and expanded to cities such as Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Bombay, Paris, London, Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City, and New York. The result is a visual journey featuring over 2000 color illustrations with explanatory captions, organized into approximately 100 topics. These are complemented by insightful theoretical texts that provide essential context. This work captures the fascinating diversity of phenomena in urban environments where the concentration of signs is most intense. The complexity of these developments is analyzed through a categorizing description and theoretical discussions that elucidate the historical context. The visual representation highlights the aggressive nature of the environments created by digital technology and telecommunication networks, reflecting drastic changes in our information society.