Coronavirus Measures: Physical Distancing, Wayfinding, and New Spatial Orientations

Abstract

In this creative mediation we explore measures of the coronavirus pandemic—unfolded through the seemingly simple act of ‘physical distancing’—to show the myriad of mobility, wayfinding, and spatial orientations that shape the socio-material fabric of collective life. Physical distancing has mandated new measures of how people orient their body amongst other bodies in public space. In-situ measurements of spatial and affective registers attempt to alleviate possible contagions while adhering to health advice. The importance of measurement and the practice of measuring has never been as obvious and integral to daily life. However, the notions of measure—how one feels, moves, acts, thinks, and reflects—have been long imbued in the governance of collective goals, practices, and action. We highlight performative, sensory, and aesthetic responses to these new measures, suggesting these individualised performances of measure should be indicative of the sensory shifts required to tackle possible future crises and changes.