dis · armature
3rd PRIZE
[kristin agnello, corrado agnello]
sidney, bc, canada
Imagine a world where culture does not divide, but unites. In an increasingly complex political climate, we need places where differences can thrive and where personal experiences can counter the "official accounts" of life across national lines.
This project proposes the demolition of all existing buildings and structures, creating a shared cultural space that is collaboratively owned by the American, Mexican, and Tohono O'odham Nations. The buildings necessary for border control are embedded into the structure of the site, while cultural facilities rise from the ground as landmarks that are visible well into the cities on both sides of the border. The buildings are designed to manipulate the public space so that visitors are guided gently into and through the site without the use of gates, walls, or turnstiles, all the while retaining direct sightlines to the shared cultural space.
Pedestrians and vehicular traffic are separated, allowing those on foot to meander and explore the site above, while providing a more direct route below for those wishing to pass through and continue on their way. The public space extends out to a vantage point at the height of the existing wall, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and reflect on the stark social and cultural division that the existing wall has created.
To understand culture, you need to see it, hear it, taste it, and feel it. disARMATURE has no walls, only horizons.
This project proposes the demolition of all existing buildings and structures, creating a shared cultural space that is collaboratively owned by the American, Mexican, and Tohono O'odham Nations. The buildings necessary for border control are embedded into the structure of the site, while cultural facilities rise from the ground as landmarks that are visible well into the cities on both sides of the border. The buildings are designed to manipulate the public space so that visitors are guided gently into and through the site without the use of gates, walls, or turnstiles, all the while retaining direct sightlines to the shared cultural space.
Pedestrians and vehicular traffic are separated, allowing those on foot to meander and explore the site above, while providing a more direct route below for those wishing to pass through and continue on their way. The public space extends out to a vantage point at the height of the existing wall, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and reflect on the stark social and cultural division that the existing wall has created.
To understand culture, you need to see it, hear it, taste it, and feel it. disARMATURE has no walls, only horizons.
