A City with no bounds

 

                                       Public Housing (NYC)                                 International Space Station

The “Walking City” is a conceptual project created by Ron Herron and Bryan Harvey that allows a city structure to become mobile. This project revolutionized the idea that a city does not always have to be stagnate. The inhabitants aboard the “Walking City” have no final destination, just a means to travel.

             Although the project is conceptually based it still must abide by the logistics of humanity, that is the city must be self-sustaining. All the commodities the average person needs must be appropriated for within the city. In a sense the “Walking City” must be both isolated while at the same time able to connect to the world. A city that is self-sustainable becomes its own biome. Similar to a tropical rainforest biome, a mobile city would have its own climate, geography, and biodiversity (inhabitants), only that these features would sporadically change when the city travels.

            The physicality of the “Walking City” maybe somewhat outlandish, but even today there are societies that are completely isolated, and some that are entirely mobile. Oilrigs can be found miles away from the nearest coast, and are able to sustain populations over 5,000. These rigs must be equipped with all the commodities of a city including shops, housing, restaurants, even schools and libraries. Another example, with more mobile capabilities, are cruse ships and aircraft carriers. Both of these vessels must accommodate the living conditions of a crew, often for weeks before docking. Possibly the ultimate mobile community is the space station. The community aboard the space station is the first start at making the “Walking City” a reality. The design of the space station is modular so that additions can be made and the city can expand. Given time and the progression in technology, who knows if one day the space station will become a mobile community for common individuals.

            How can architecture benefit by imitating these community typologies? The social interaction between individuals of mobile communities can be compared to government housing. Both deal with tight communal spaces, which must be allocated appropriately. Space is a premium for these mobile cities and a master plan is extremely vital. As architects we should constantly think about space efficiency, and ask our self’s “what if this building was mobile?”

The Path Of A Starchitect

            The average starting architect will make any where from 30,000-50,000 dollars a year depending on location and the firm. A Starchitect like Frank Ghery averages over 100k per year. Salary is just one element that separates a Starchitect from an architect, the power and recognition is the true honor bestowed upon these select few individuals. Why do we as a society idolize certain architects over others?

            The first step in identifying the “phenomenon of Starchitecture” is to speculate at the type of culture we live in. In England they have a constitutional monarchy, which consists of a royal family with no actual power. The roll of the royal family is to continue national traditions and essentially exist as celebrities for England.  In the United States society is searching for celebrities to idolize and ultimately scrutinize. We do not have royalty so society looks to actors, musicians, artist, and now architects to be dignitaries. One may ask, “Why have architects joined the ring of important figures?”

            To be blunt buildings are a big deal. The construction of large projects cost millions of dollars and requires an immense amount of labor. In addition to costing an abundance, architecture can produce proficient amounts of income for a city. When a building becomes a travel destination, the tourism it brings in will boost the economy of the city.  Architecture can be an icon for a city, creating a status symbol for other cities to compete with. Instantly a city that is unheard of becomes important because of the architecture it contains. Starchitects have the power to reflect culture through their built forms. These factors are what turn architects into superstars.

            Often Starchitects gain their fame by attempting something different. Avant-garde architects are constantly striving to be innovative and create new techniques that set them apart from the rest. Just as Elvis Presley changed Rock’N’Roll for music, Frank Ghery is changing how the people views architecture.  The public eye always turns toward what is new and unconventional (even if it is non-contextual and looks like a blob). Currently the trend in Starchitecture is leaning towards computer-aided design, previously unimaginable without NURBS software. By utilizing this new software architects are able to design freeform shapes, which can be mathematically calculated. Although NURBS software is new and exciting, it is subsequently just a link in a chain of new technology to come. As the technology changes so will the star architects. As one architect’s stardom comes to an end there will always be someone new to take their place in the spot light. 

Video Links: 

1. Shelley Hornstein on starchitects 

2. How "Starchitects" Have Influenced What Gets Built