Stateless: Early Musings
At the very least, the onset of climate change has been undeniable due to the increasing presence of climate-related discussions and organizations around us. But it is when the effects were experienced personally by our Caribbean family, with the onset of catastrophically destructive hurricanes over recent years, that the reality viscerally hit home.
The ideas of inevitable destruction and displacement are now always in our minds and how we define, understand and choose to invest in our spaces and the built environment is changing.
The Proposed Intervention speaks to the vulnerability of physical space and how ‘space’ is so tied with ‘self’. The proposal is based upon a conceptual architectural design comprised of a simple kit-of- parts. This kit-of-parts includes: a frame comprised of pre-cut hollow-sections, suspension rods, pre- cut PVC panels and concrete pad foundations. The materials that make up of this “kit-of-parts’ can be attained, maintained, replaced and stored with ease due to their size, nature and availability on the market. The simplicity of the design also seeks to negate the need for specially-skilled workers, tradespersons or construction systems so as to ensure that the structure could be erected quickly and by any available team or workforce.
The steel frame creates an exo-skeleton for the structure and the placement of the exo-skeleton on the structure’s exterior allows the PVC panels to become un-obstructed interior vertical walls or surfaces. These cleared vertical panels enclose a compact but comfortable space. Further design development promises that the vertical surfaces can enable areas for rest, preservation, display, and simple mechanisms that support the needs and nuances of the individual(s) who make use of it. A sense of “self” is therefore allowed to re-emerge in this space as the individual is able to re-claim self and space with ease.
This Proposed Intervention is a commentary on how a community or individual can adapt, find shelter ,RE-imagine, RE-claim space and RE- emerge. It is also a commentary on what types of spaces are most practical and beneficial to invest in for the long-term as we face a long-term characterized by uncertainty.
It suggests that “resilience” does not necessarily equate with permanence but that to be resilient one must be able to re-build and re-emerge with ease.make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
