Editorial. An Other Intelligence

Abstract

The editorial of 17^th number of the journal «XY», edited by Edoardo Dotto and Francesco Maggio, investigates the role of artificial exaptation as a generative, interpretative, and design principle in contemporary representation. Originating in the biological realm through the studies of Gould and Vrba and revisited by Fabrizio Gay, the concept of exaptation describes the capacity to assign new functions and meanings to pre-existing elements. This principle transcends the digital sphere and permeates art and architecture, as highlighted by the collages of Demetrio Di Grado, medieval spolia architecture, John Soane’s Museum, and the investigations of Pop Art. Within this context, the reflection extends to Artificial Intelligence, considered as an ‘other’ intelligence. Rather than giving in to mistrust towards the machine, the editorial proposes experimenting with new computational tools, recalling the historical debate surrounding the advent of CAD. Through quotations from Oscar Wilde and Francesco Flora, the text reinforces the importance of human guidance and spirit in the relationship with technology. Finally, the collected essays reveal two operational approaches attributable to exaptation: that of the bricoleur, who creatively reuses and recomposes available fragments, and that of the joueur, who confronts incompatible conditions by entrusting the production of responses to the machine.