narrative

willamsburgNOW

Williamsburg now is an ethnically diverse neighborhood in Brooklyn. While it is obviously less dense in scale relative to the city, it is still incredibly ethnically diverse, a trait that seems to contribute extensively to the commercial diversity and aesthetic of the area as a whole. An eclectic mix of locally owned businesses and incredible restaurants line even the largest avenues that transverse the neighborhood creating a notable more intimate street culture, which also encourages the local economy and the thriving artist community. The readiness of the neighborhood to grow and change with the young community around it also seems to be a characteristic draw for visitors and new residents alike. It is for these reasons that Williamsburg is one of the greatest places to explore and if you’re lucky enough, even get lost in.

futureWILLIAMSBURG

The movie I have decided to base my narrative on is “Children of Men”, directed by Alfonso Cuarón. The movie is set in the very near future when the human race is facing its own extinction due to the inexplicable inability to procreate. In the wake of panic, people around the world begin flocking to the major metropolises. Nationalist violence erupts creating a dangerous atmosphere for all. While this narrative seems very bleak, I chose it because I believe it has some interesting architectural implications. First, the greater metropolitan area of New York City will be dealing with the issue of urban density the likes of which it probably never even imagined, let alone witnessed. But as quickly as it grows, it will soon shrink without the sustaining power of human reproduction. Seeing how any building would address this flex from full capacity to leftover space in the span of a few short generations physically, materially, and programmatically would be incredibly compelling. Taking context of the physical and social climate into consideration one might be able to fully justify creating a totally introverted, secluded, and self-sustaining complex that protects residence in every sense of the word from the outside. The design may also entail some program and space for proactive residents who might also be trying to solve or at least slow the process of human extinction. Finally, proposing how the building might respond to the landscape as the city becomes feral, and succumbs to nature as the last humans live out their final days in this community all seem like interesting prospects to consider in this project.