There is a curious edge that exists within our every day interactions. A constant and often invisible threshold in our lives. They act as indicators of capacity. The capacity to care. The capacity to listen. The capacity to remain silent. Wrapped in layers built based on assumptions, we have linguistically created metaphors for the boundaries we have enforced on ourselves.

Is it perhaps slightly delusional to assume that the physical thresholds of art, architecture, design, and built environment, in some way can entice us to cross over and address these metaphors? But they actually do. These physical artefacts act as portals for the discussions normally restricted to the digital world or vague conversations that float in the ether.

This week’s issue—we hope—challenges you to expand your thresholds and walk through others. Daily tous les jours’ urban interventions transcend aesthetical assumptions of public spaces’ tactile and auditory thresholds. The language study through ‘Digital Design’ traces our relationship with computers and how that is mediated by designers; while the Frequency Festival offers us a glimpse into the notion of virtual placemaking.

However you choose to interact with them, we leave you with a larger question. Are you comfortable with the thresholds imposed on you? What are you unwilling to step over? Is it time to surpass them?