Re-Thinking of the Disciplinary Norms in Urban Infrastructure
Location : Manhattan, NY / Instructor (Coordinator) : Virginia Black (Patti Anahory)
This intervention responds to the disciplinary protocols and the dynamics of its ad-hoc expressions in the Highbridge pool. Enforced regulations such as the ‘White T-Shirt Rule’ and the ‘Zero Tolerance Policy’ operate to suppress self-expression and compel uniformity by involving intense surveillance that insists individuals act under control. On the other hand, unceasing gang violence and racial and gender discrimination were acknowledged as the backdrop of discipline throughout the research that emphasized exclusivity in a space that was initially intended to be public. Even with a greater emphasis on control, the Highbridge pool continues to face criticism regarding safety and access.
Drawing. Final Proposal - Uncapping the Fire Hydrants in Washington Heights
Research Drawing. Existing Conditions of Highbridge Pool
An Exploration of the Highbridge Pool and Park Reveals Contrasting Aspects within its Existing Conditions. Through Reenacting Regulatory Zones and Juxtaposing Playground Elements, the Intervention Fosters Mutual Understanding and Dialogue. This Challenges Disciplinary Norms and Prompts Contemplation of Societal Implications. Extending Beyond the Pool, Re-Purposed Fire Hydrants Establish Communal Programs, Cultivating Reciprocity and Solidarity within Urban Environments. This Intervention Highlights Architecture's Capacity to Spark Crucial Conversations and Enact Positive Transformation within Communities.
Urban Scale Drawing
Axonometric Drawing
Oblique Plan Drawing
Drawing. Provoking the Polarity
The Proposal Aims to Transform Highbridge Pool From a Leisure Space to One Marked by Unlawful Activities and Regulations. These Dynamics Have Left Parallel Imprints on the Urban Landscape. It Engages With Impromptu Actions, Where Residents Repurposed Fire Hydrants as Makeshift Pools in Rebellion. The Pool's Rules Addressed Societal Issues but With Unintended Consequences. The Intervention Explores These Threads Without Endorsing Either. It Nurtures Interactions While Critically Examining. This Stimulates a Fresh Perspective, Potentially Leading to Unforeseen Outcomes.
Physical Model Photo 1.
Physical Model Photo 2.
Physical Model Photo 3.
Physical Model Photo of 1:1 Fragment
As the Next Step, the Water of the Pool is Hijacked Through the Fire-hydrants in Washington Heights. Typologies of Un-capping the Fire Hydrants Provide a Lateral System for Mutual Aid and Pervasive Participation of Individuals to Recover Solidarity and Publicity and Create Social Bonds Within the Heights.