Studio Update: Monument to the Public Realm

I am currently working on my B. Arch thesis project. I have been tasked to create a monument to the 2nd millennium (1001-2000). Being such an open-ended proposal, I had to first ask myself, "what the hell should I do?" Here is my Aesthetic Mission Statement:

The Monument to the Public Realm is meant to signify the importance of public spaces in relation to societal progression. Spaces within the public realm provide the opportunity for people to gather, exchange, and cultivate an environment with a diverse range of cultural identities. Throughout the 2nd millennium, the spatial typologies and planning strategies within the public realm have remained consistent and unchallenged. However, rapid urbanization over the last 200 years, especially the past 25 years, has outpaced developing countries’ abilities to respond and adapt. People within the world’s densest urban areas have limited opportunities for social development without a network of spaces in the public realm that instigates vital cultural interactions.

The intention of this monument is to do what all previous monuments have failed: provide space for the people. Not just a park bench or patch of grass; a functional framework of spaces that allows users to become apart of the monument. By generating a dynamic network of spaces with raised steel structures and concrete platforms, the densest parts of suffering urban areas will gain valuable access to public spaces. The monument will reach out to all parts of the city, connect the fragmented city together, and encourage people to create their own interpretation of how public spaces should be utilized.

People make the spaces, not the architect.

Make sure to check back in a few weeks for another update!

Jayson