In the last part of See, think, do, a series of texts on the relevant elements in the work of an architect today, Tuomas Toivonen (NOW for Architecture and Urbanism) discusses the blurring of boundaries between labour and leisure. Having explored both the context and the content of his architectural practice, the series also creates a foundation for Tuomas’ next music release called Subtitles.
Work and leisure in Viiskulma, Helsinki.
5. Skill
The social order of antique democracy was based on a strict division of labour: slaves, farmers, soldiers, artisans, merchants and finally, the free men. Here the boundary between work and leisure is articulated as social class. The liberty of the free men rests on the shoulders of the entire citystate. Since then, this division has been manipulated, and this formula has changed its nature.
The demographic divisions of past eras have evolved into divisions in time, a schedule: periods in life – short or long – when we assume different roles. The industrial revolution set the base for mass consumer society, and formulated the ingenious equation: a week’s labour equals a weekend as a consumer, a free man. Here, money earned in servitude translates into different kinds of freedoms, securities and commodities – waypoints in a pursuit of happiness and a meaningful life.
As the division between work and leisure is blurred, we face a dilemma, as there is no more clear equation. We are what we do. Our identity is shaped by a passion for our work, and in the things we produce, not only the things we consume. Money is a means, not an end. It is what we do with a budget that matters, as big money can not ensure high-quality results; only skill and passion can.
Skill of living is the new wealth. This is wealth produced and consumed through both labour and leisure. It is skill demonstrated in the choices we make, the ideas we believe in, the works we create and the lives we live.