Buizenstelsel aan een gebouw in Lyon c. 1935

This photograph by Blanc & Demilly captures a system of pipes attached to a building in Lyon. The pipes, interwoven like veins, bring to mind images of interconnectedness. Consider how the image of interwoven lines or serpentine forms has echoed throughout history, such as in ancient depictions of snakes as symbols of transformation and connection. In our collective memory, these pipe systems tap into subconscious notions of fluidity and energy—essential elements for a functional society. One can almost feel the psychological comfort derived from the knowledge that vital infrastructures support our daily lives, often unnoticed. Yet, these pipes, with their stark realism, highlight the deep-seated human need for order and control over the natural world. The image's ability to resonate emotionally underscores the power of symbols to engage viewers on both conscious and subconscious levels. Like a recurring dream, this image, and the images that have come before it, remind us of our perpetual dance with progress and the hidden structures that sustain us.