Rouhling’s master’s thesis is rooted in her active participation in the Zurich-based cultural association Zentralwäscherei. One of the core principles of this association is the concept of «awareness,» which is regularly revisited, discussed, and refined through structured reflections. It plays a vital role in fostering an environment that values mutual respect and the acknowledgment of both physical and mental boundaries.
But what does awareness really mean? How can this concept be understood and applied within the framework of cultural and art institutions? In her thesis, Rouhling seeks to explore the social and interactive dimensions of cultural spaces and art institutions, examining the dynamics at work within them. These dynamics, she proposes, can be meaningfully approached through the notion of «awareness» — a concept and practice this paper seeks to investigate for its potential structural significance.