SNAFU | An Independent Thesis by Jules Byers

Jules Byers

Table of Contents Project Intent Theory Case Studies Method Application

Intent

Intent

Apply dynamic qualities of installation and exhibition architecture to industry x, creating a platform for observation and critique of conventions in order to improve the practices and reactions revolving around industry x.

1. Methodology 2. Application

Focus

1. Installation / Exhibition 2. Industry 3. Surrationalist Critique

Qualities

1. Emphasis on Interpretation 2. Interactive Scale 3. Relationship between Curatorial Ideas and Architectural Forms 4. Rhetoric (Critical Stance) 5. Temporal Nature 6. Mobility (Flexibility)

Intent

(3) Applications

1. Gig Rest Stop Mobilized restrooms to critique lack of access to clean, safe restrooms for gig economy and ride-hail app workers 2. Strip-Farm Turning strip-malls into interactive agriculture displays to critique the disconnect between food sourcing and consumption 3. Parking Lot Living Flexible housing display to critique allocation of space and student housing costs

Theory

SNAFU

Situation Normal All F’ed Up Tension between two seemingly incompatible conditions occurring simultaneously: the normal and the fouled up. If something is normal, everyday, and ordered then how can it also be disordered, jumbled and otherwise out of kilter?

The fouled-up condition arises as a result of the very structures of the system itself.

A challenge to the very legitimacy of rules and order posed by the inherent paradox of the wording.

(Lewis, 1998)

Convention

Conventions of architecture are the aspects of the discipline that are taken for granted through daily repetition and habit. Tactics seek to examine how conventions become conventional, who they serve, and what they maintain.

Repetition of the familiar, with the assumption that the familiar is equivalent to a greater collective consciousness, does not form a critical practice.

(Lewis, 1998)

Theory

Surrationalism

A conscious, critical, and rational project, its goal being the liberation of rationality from the encrusted habits of convention. It uses rationalism to test the boundaries of rationalism itself.

Not seeking a linear or singular conclusion, answer, or progeny; it opens up a new territory for formal and spatial exploration.

(Lewis, 1998)

Case Studies

Phase 1. Methodology Pointed Question (Main Idea)

Dynamic Quality

Critique of Convention

Installation/ Exhibtion Quality

Function charrette idea critique

So What function

(Conclusive Question)

so what...

Industry Category Conventional Category

Display easily visually accessible to public, curated

Mobile ability to be moved as a whole or in parts

means of production visible to public- visually open water treatment process visible to public agriculture and food processing facilities displaying architecture allows people to see into manufacturing where / how food is grown process; tells story of goods/ production critiques exploitation of employees, working condi- critiques water quality, usage, potential chemical use critiques disconnect between consumers and food, tions, waste of materials, life cycle of products the lack of knowlege of ingredients and process and conventional consumerism function- textile mill function- water filtration function- functioning farm, producing food product

display of various influenc industry: equiptment sales insurence influences critiques monetary driven

so what- consumers know what they are buying and so what- if people are able to see water filtration its impacts on people and environment process, they might use water more mindfully

so what- putting this inform help discourage greedy pr being blind-sided by unex mobile dental clinic that tra areas and provides basic

so what- encourages higher value to be placed on food, agricultural workers and processes, and questions consumer experience manufacturing able to relocate phases of production mobile amenities could be placed and relocated into livestock, butcher, processing able to move in spots of existing infastructure to address evolving decentralized process to follow vegetation, climate, needs of mobile employees labor availability, consumers critiques- transport issues (cost and energy), pack- critiques lack of amenities and benefits dedicated to critiques large, centralized feedlots; poor land aging, product availability to certain communities gig economy workers management (crop rotation), food scarcity in certain communities, modern expectation of convenience functionfunction- provide safe, clean restrooms and rest area function- livestock pasture, butcher, processing that are easily accessible to gig economy workers so what- production able to migrate to follow resources, labor availability, consumers

Temporal ability to change over time; relating to time as contextual element

Rhetorical taking critical stance, offering interpretation or impression

critiques lack of access to function- dental care

so what- nomadic meat industry could result in better so what- this concept wou life for animals, better use of land, better understand- amongst communities with people who are not able to ing of process for consumers manufacturing that produces varying products seasonal changes in phases of agricultural process a structure that housed va based on changing needs or available materials on same site (growing, harvest, process, package, in rotation for a limited tim oncology, optometry (basi sell) critiques- stagnant limitations of some industries; or critiques space dedicated to unused infastructure, critiques use of land, lack of access to fresh food in critiques lack of access to cost of living near prime locations, temporary nature communities, disconnect to origins of food communities; overwhelmin “throw away” culture of consumerism of student life within healthcare function- provide various b functionfunction- installation, temporary shelter function- crop growth, harvest, process, package, sale so what- project would improve daily practices of such workers, helping to legitimize their work and bring attention to their hidden struggles temporary structure built on existing parking infastructure to highlight student housing insecurity

so what- concept could shed light on allocation of so what- the ability to change function as needs space, challenge conventions of student living and change could prevent the waste of machinery or materials, help prevent jobs from becoming obsolete encourage alternative ideas architecture or products themselves create message public infrastructure that creates commentary on its own use

so what-small, urban plots could see temporary phases of agriculture process in rotation to best use land in different season or climate condition system that uses no packaging in commerce of agricultural products

critiques-critique of working conditions or exploitationcritiques- allocation of money, use of materials, use critiques waste of materials of space, who has access of resources function-

Interactive having effect on and being effected by viewers/users

function- network to inform costs, experiences within t

function- energy infrastructure, water infrastructure, semi-permanent construction/ traffic

so what- consumers could form different opinions so what- rethinking norms surrounding infrastructure about how they spend their money or their culture could encourage more efficient/ effective usage around consuming public/consumers could participate in various parts network that allows public to interact with infrastructure by submitting/accessing information regarding of the manufacturing process state of physical infrastructure critiques- culture of having everything ready-made, critiques state of infrastructure, its usage, access, “throw-away” culture (lack of value in possessions) ability to be repaired

function-point of commerce

function- treatment cencte

so what- designing a production/vending space of revolves around no disposable packaging, requires buyers to bring their own facility allows participation in growing, harvest of crops. People bring in waste products to contribute to compost critiques disconnect between people and food, food waste

so what- by providing moe tation, people can recieve and empahy installation that allows peo progress, offers guidance to lookout for critiques isolation surroun

function- crop

function- provide network knowledge

function-

function- typical infrastructure function continues

so what- could create empathy for workers, help consumers know what goes into their products, create sentimental value in items

so what- hands-on participation will help people so what-allows people to report and be aware of issues in their city; possibly help problem solve or fix look at food differently, know where it comes from, rethink waste

Manufacturing

Infrastructure

so what- in communities th specialized healthcare, on rotating services to ensure designing for/ communica with mental illnesses and d illnesses critiques disregard of non-

Agriculture

so what- could foster com practices, provide knowled of access

Healthcare

This matrix was created as an exercise to explore the possibilities of crossing industry categories with unconventional qualities. Each example includes a main concept, what the project would critique, the function it would achieve, and the “so what” of the project.

Projects in green were projects that I saw more potential in or was personally more interested in exploring more.

ces within healthcare s, pharmacutical sales,

displays showing how products are made, where resources come from, life cycles of materials, the stories of people involved critiques exploitation of people and natural resources, culture of disconnect in consumerism

display for academic research- making finding accessible, methods obersable critiques disconnect between academia and communities; who is allowed to learn?

green energy infastructure/ facilities that display their practices, public able to see how energy is made/ used critiques relience on unsustainable energy; stigmas around renewable energy

m patients of influences, treatment

function- place of commerce, advertising

function- research lab, archives, network

function- power production

mation on display could ractice, keep patients from xpected costs avels to under-served care

so what- displaying (authentic) positive practices would encourage better practice within production and could attract customers retail vendor could relocate to follow demand of consumers

o care

critiques throw-away culture of retail, seasonal merchandise that produces lots of waste

so what-produces energy and provides information so what- allows people to easily acess academic on why it is important and how it is used, encouraginformation, may draw interest into feilds from ing conservation unlikely sources traveling museums (as opposed to centralized) that visit disconnected communities to offer educational experience critiques the disregard of rural or isolated communities; assumption that communities are uneducated or uncultured function- offers educational services (classes, exhibitions)

practices

function- place of commerce

so what- having museums come to the people so what- retailers keep product in stock (reduce uld increase health instead of the inverse could reach more people, waste) / relocate to meet new demand rather than hout access to care, or connect “unlikely” audience changing product to please existing consumers o travel easily arying healthcare services retail center that meets needs of specific vendors temporary education sites could provide consistent me- dental for 2 months, for limited period of time, then changes to accommo-education to migrating people (nomadic, immigrant ic services and screenings) date needs of another communities, natural disasters) o healthcare in certain critiques idea of permanence or stronghold of big critiques expectation of sedentary lifestyle ng and confusing network box retailers

pop-up renewable energy sources, temperory event shade structure w/ PV or pop-up “gym” that generates energy critiques unsustainable energy sources

temporary charge stations for electric vehicles, offered by existing, but not-in-use infrastructure) (offices, churches, schools) critiques allocation of space during off-hours, availability and stigma around electric vehicles

function- generate energy

function- charging for electric vehicles

basic health services

function- place of commerce

function- education

hat have little access to ne structure could house e periodic access ating experiences of people diseases or non-visible

so what- help to support local or independent businesses by providing temporary exposure or place of commerce system that up-cycles/recycles discarded clothing and resells it

so what- nomadic people would not have to trade so what- could use temporary events to generate way of life for education, displaced people could still energy and bring awareness to renewable methods receive education while drawing unexpected interest education facility that has no standard classtrooms or formal building

re-use of transportation infastructure, occupying parking areas, street lanes

-visible illnesses

critiques culture of fast fashion, desire for all new products, misuse of natural resources

critiques formal, institutional expectation of education

critiques space dedicated to cars

er

function- recycle, manufacture, place of commerce function- education, classes, workshops

e visible/vocal represene more care, resources

so what- could encourage people to reconsider how and why they discard belongings and where new belongings are sourced ability to track source of materials and stories of ople to track/ share e on screenings and things those who produced it at sale, ability to share the item’s future story with retailer/manufacturer critiques ignorance about material sourcing; life nding healthcare cycle of product from vender’s point of view (once it’s sold, it’s gone) function- point of commerce; serve as feedback to receive support and for companies on performance and life cycle of products so what- could help consumers be more aware of mmunity around healthy purchases, help manufacturer/retail get feedback on dge to people with lack product, how to improve/recycle/repair

Retail

so what-could provide more convenient charging stations, help normalize electric vehicles

function- community activities

so what- creates environment for learning that takes so what- “off-hours” use of parking, street lanes a stand against uniform, traditional learning environededicated to other activities would foster community, ments, fosters creatinity and hands-on careers challenge dedication to cars facility offers interaction in education by community recycling center that is hands-on, materials brought members- people coming to share experiences, in by people, processed themselves (paper, glass, train skills cardboard) critiques formal, institutional expectation of educationcritiques use of materials; inproper recycling function- education, classes, workshops

function- recycling materials

so what- creates opportunity for people to learn from so what-people may get excited about the process community, various skills, breaks from formality/age of recycling, think more about it, do it properly expectations, more reciprocal relationship

Education

Sustainability

Transportation

Tec

Methodology

primarily functional

fairly mixed

primarily rhetorical

Display easily visually accessible to public, curated

means of production visible to public- visually open water treatment process visible to public architecture allows people to see into manufacturing process; tells story of goods/ production critiques exploitation of employees, working condi- critiques water quality, usage, potential chemical use tions, waste of materials, life cycle of products function- textile mill

function- water filtration

so what- consumers know what they are buying and so what- if people are able to see water filtration its impacts on people and environment process, they might use water more mindfully

Mobile ability to be moved as a whole or in parts

manufacturing able to relocate phases of production mobile amenities placed and relocated into spots of existing infastructure to address evolving needs of mobile employees critiques- transport issues (cost and energy), pack- critiques lack of amenities and benefits dedicated aging, product availability to certain communities to gig economy workers functionso what- production able to migrate to follow resources, labor availability, consumers

Temporal ability to change over time; relating to time as contextual element

Rhetorical taking critical stance, offering interpretation or impression

manufacturing that produces varying products based on changing needs or available materials critiques- stagnant limitations of some industries; or “throw away” culture of consumerism function-

critiques space dedicated to unused infastructure, cost of living near prime locations, temporary nature of student life function- installation, temporary shelter

critiques disconnect between consumers and food, the lack of knowlege of ingredients and process and conventional consumerism function- functioning farm, producing food product

so what- consumers could form different opinions so what- rethinking norms surrounding infrastructure about how they spend their money or their culture could encourage more efficient/ effective usage around consuming public/consumers could participate in various parts network that allows public to interact with infrastructure by submitting/accessing information regarding of the manufacturing process state of physical infrastructure critiques- culture of having everything ready-made, critiques state of infrastructure, its usage, access, “throw-away” culture (lack of value in possessions) ability to be repaired

livestock, butcher, processing able to move in decentralized process to follow vegetation, climate, labor availability, consumers critiques large, centralized feedlots; poor land management (crop rotation), food scarcity in certain communities, modern expectation of convenience function- livestock pasture, butcher, processing

mobile dental clinic that areas and provides basic

so what- nomadic meat industry could result in better life for animals, better use of land, better understanding of process for consumers

so what- this concept wo amongst communities w people who are not able

seasonal changes in phases of agricultural process on same site (growing, harvest, process, package, sell) critiques use of land, lack of access to fresh food in communities, disconnect to origins of food

structure housing varying in rotation for a limited tim optometry (basic service critiques lack of access t communities; overwhelm within healthcare

function- crop growth, harvest, process, package, sale

function- provide various

function- dental care

so what- in communities t specialized healthcare, on rotating services to ensure

designing for/ communica with mental illnesses and illnesses critiques disregard of non

function- treatment cencte

so what- designing a production/vending space of revolves around no disposable packaging, requires buyers to bring their own facility allows participation in growing, harvest of crops. People bring in waste products to contribute to compost critiques disconnect between people and food, food waste

so what- by providing moe tation, people can recieve and empahy installation that allows peo progress, offers guidance to lookout for critiques isolation surroun

function- crop

function- provide network knowledge

function- typical infrastructure function continues

so what- could create empathy for workers, help consumers know what goes into their products, create sentimental value in items

so what- hands-on participation will help people so what-allows people to report and be aware of issues in their city; possibly help problem solve or fix look at food differently, know where it comes from, rethink waste

Infrastructure

critiques lack of access t

function-point of commerce

function-

Manufacturing

function- network to infor costs, experiences within

so what- putting this infor help discourage greedy p from being blind-sided by

critiques-critique of working conditions or exploitationcritiques- allocation of money, use of materials, use critiques waste of materials of space, who has access of resources function- energy infrastructure, water infrastructure, semi-permanent construction/ traffic

display of various influen industry: equiptment sale insurence influences critiques monetary driven

so what- encourages higher value to be placed on food, agricultural workers and processes, and questions consumer experience

so what- concept could shed light on allocation of so what-small, urban plots could see temporary so what- the ability to change function as needs space, challenge conventions of student living and phases of agriculture process in rotation to best use change could prevent the waste of machinery or land in different season or climate condition materials, help prevent jobs from becoming obsolete encourage alternative ideas architecture or products themselves create message public infrastructure that creates commentary on system that uses no packaging in commerce of agricultural products its own use

function-

Interactive having effect on and being effected by viewers/users

function- provide safe, clean restrooms and rest area that are easily accessible to gig economy workers so what- project would improve daily practices of such workers, helping to legitimize their work and bring attention to their hidden struggles temporary structure built on existing parking infastructure to highlight student housing insecurity

agriculture and food processing facilities displaying where / how food is grown

Agriculture

so what- could foster com practices, provide knowle of access

Healthcare

nces within healthcare es, pharmacutical sales,

n practices

rm patients of influences, n treatment

rmation on display could practice, keep patients y unexpected costs

travels to under-served c care

to care

The project was organized into categories based on whether the project may lean more towards critique, function, or a more even balance.

displays showing how products are made, where resources come from, life cycles of materials, the stories of people involved critiques exploitation of people and natural resources, culture of disconnect in consumerism

display for academic research- making finding accessible, methods obersable critiques disconnect between academia and communities; who is allowed to learn?

green energy infastructure/ facilities that display their practices, public able to see how energy is made/ used critiques relience on unsustainable energy; stigmas around renewable energy

function- place of commerce, advertising

function- research lab, archives, network

function- power production

so what- displaying (authentic) positive practices would encourage better practice within production and could attract customers retail vendor could relocate to follow demand of consumers

so what- allows people to easily acess academic information, may draw interest into feilds from unlikely sources traveling museums (as opposed to centralized) that visit disconnected communities to offer educational experience critiques the disregard of rural or isolated communities; assumption that communities are uneducated or uncultured function- offers educational services (classes, exhibitions)

so what-produces energy and provides information on why it is important and how it is used, encouraging conservation

critiques throw-away culture of retail, seasonal merchandise that produces lots of waste function- place of commerce

ould increase health without access to care, or e to travel easily

so what- having museums come to the people so what- retailers keep product in stock (reduce waste) / relocate to meet new demand rather than instead of the inverse could reach more people, connect “unlikely” audience changing product to please existing consumers g healthcare services retail center that meets needs of specific vendors temporary education sites could provide consistent me- dental, oncology, for limited period of time, then changes to accommo- education to migrating people (nomadic, immigrant es and screenings) date needs of another communities, natural disasters) to healthcare in certain critiques idea of permanence or stronghold of big critiques expectation of sedentary lifestyle ming and confusing network box retailers

s basic health services

function- place of commerce

that have little access to ne structure could house e periodic access

so what- help to support local or independent businesses by providing temporary exposure or place of commerce ating experiences of people system that up-cycles/recycles discarded clothing and resells it diseases or non-visible

function- education

function- charging for electric vehicles

critiques formal, institutional expectation of education

critiques space dedicated to cars

er

function- recycle, manufacture, place of commerce function- education, classes, workshops

Retail

function- generate energy

re-use of transportation infastructure, occupying parking areas, street lanes

critiques culture of fast fashion, desire for all new products, misuse of natural resources

so what- could encourage people to reconsider how and why they discard belongings and where new belongings are sourced ople to track/ share ability to track source of materials and stories of e on screenings and things those who produced it at sale, ability to share the item’s future story with retailer/manufacturer nding healthcare critiques ignorance about material sourcing; life cycle of product from vender’s point of view (once it’s sold, it’s gone) function- point of commerce; serve as feedback to receive support and for companies on performance and life cycle of products so what- could help consumers be more aware of mmunity around healthy purchases, help manufacturer/retail get feedback on edge to people with lack product, how to improve/recycle/repair

temporary charge stations for electric vehicles, offered by existing, but not-in-use infrastructure) (offices, churches, schools) critiques allocation of space during off-hours, availability and stigma around electric vehicles

so what- nomadic people would not have to trade so what- could use temporary events to generate way of life for education, displaced people could still energy and bring awareness to renewable methods receive education while drawing unexpected interest education facility that has no standard classtrooms or formal building

n-visible illnesses

e visible/vocal represene more care, resources

pop-up renewable energy sources, temperory event shade structure w/ PV or pop-up “gym” that generates energy critiques unsustainable energy sources

so what-could provide more convenient charging stations, help normalize electric vehicles

function- community activities

so what- creates environment for learning that takes so what- “off-hours” use of parking, street lanes a stand against uniform, traditional learning environededicated to other activities would foster community, ments, fosters creatinity and hands-on careers challenge dedication to cars facility offers interaction in education by community recycling center that is hands-on, materials brought members- people coming to share experiences, in by people, processed themselves (paper, glass, train skills cardboard) critiques formal, institutional expectation of educationcritiques use of materials; inproper recycling function- education, classes, workshops

function- recycling materials

so what- creates opportunity for people to learn from so what-people may get excited about the process community, various skills, breaks from formality/age of recycling, think more about it, do it properly expectations, more reciprocal relationship

Education

Sustainability

Transportation

Tec

Methodology

I decided to further explore these three projects in the application phase.

I chose one of each category: more functional, more critical, and one fairly mixed.

Display easily visually accessible to public, curated

means of production visible to public- visually open water treatment process visible to public architecture allows people to see into manufacturing process; tells story of goods/ production critiques exploitation of employees, working condi- critiques water quality, usage, potential chemical use tions, waste of materials, life cycle of products function- textile mill

function- water filtration

so what- consumers know what they are buying and so what- if people are able to see water filtration its impacts on people and environment process, they might use water more mindfully

Mobile ability to be moved as a whole or in parts

manufacturing able to relocate phases of production mobile amenities placed and relocated into spots of existing infastructure to address evolving needs of mobile employees critiques- transport issues (cost and energy), pack- critiques lack of amenities and benefits dedicated aging, product availability to certain communities to gig economy workers functionso what- production able to migrate to follow resources, labor availability, consumers

Temporal ability to change over time; relating to time as contextual element

Rhetorical taking critical stance, offering interpretation or impression

manufacturing that produces varying products based on changing needs or available materials critiques- stagnant limitations of some industries; or “throw away” culture of consumerism function-

critiques space dedicated to unused infastructure, cost of living near prime locations, temporary nature of student life function- installation, temporary shelter

critiques disconnect between consumers and food, the lack of knowlege of ingredients and process and conventional consumerism function- functioning farm, producing food product so what- encourages higher value to be placed on food, agricultural workers and processes, and questions consumer experience livestock, butcher, processing able to move in decentralized process to follow vegetation, climate, labor availability, consumers critiques large, centralized feedlots; poor land management (crop rotation), food scarcity in certain communities, modern expectation of convenience function- livestock pasture, butcher, processing so what- nomadic meat industry could result in better life for animals, better use of land, better understanding of process for consumers

seasonal changes in phases of agricultural process on same site (growing, harvest, process, package, sell) critiques use of land, lack of access to fresh food in communities, disconnect to origins of food function- crop growth, harvest, process, package, sale

so what- concept could shed light on allocation of so what-small, urban plots could see temporary so what- the ability to change function as needs space, challenge conventions of student living and phases of agriculture process in rotation to best use change could prevent the waste of machinery or land in different season or climate condition materials, help prevent jobs from becoming obsolete encourage alternative ideas architecture or products themselves create message public infrastructure that creates commentary on system that uses no packaging in commerce of its own use agricultural products critiques-critique of working conditions or exploitationcritiques- allocation of money, use of materials, use critiques waste of materials of space, who has access of resources function-

Interactive having effect on and being effected by viewers/users

function- provide safe, clean restrooms and rest area that are easily accessible to gig economy workers so what- project would improve daily practices of such workers, helping to legitimize their work and bring attention to their hidden struggles temporary structure built on existing parking infastructure to highlight student housing insecurity

agriculture and food processing facilities displaying where / how food is grown

function- energy infrastructure, water infrastructure, semi-permanent construction/ traffic

so what- consumers could form different opinions so what- rethinking norms surrounding infrastructure about how they spend their money or their culture could encourage more efficient/ effective usage around consuming public/consumers could participate in various parts network that allows public to interact with infrastructure by submitting/accessing information regarding of the manufacturing process state of physical infrastructure critiques- culture of having everything ready-made, critiques state of infrastructure, its usage, access, “throw-away” culture (lack of value in possessions) ability to be repaired

function-point of commerce so what- designing a production/vending space of revolves around no disposable packaging, requires buyers to bring their own facility allows participation in growing, harvest of crops. People bring in waste products to contribute to compost critiques disconnect between people and food, food waste function- crop

function-

function- typical infrastructure function continues

so what- could create empathy for workers, help consumers know what goes into their products, create sentimental value in items

so what- hands-on participation will help people so what-allows people to report and be aware of issues in their city; possibly help problem solve or fix look at food differently, know where it comes from, rethink waste

Manufacturing

Infrastructure

Agriculture

display of various influences within healthcare industry: equiptment sales, pharmacutical sales, insurence influences critiques monetary driven practices

displays showing how products are made, where resources come from, life cycles of materials, the stories of people involved critiques exploitation of people and natural resources, culture of disconnect in consumerism

display for academic research- making finding accessible, methods obersable critiques disconnect between academia and communities; who is allowed to learn?

green energy infastructure/ facilities that display their practices, public able to see how energy is made/ used critiques relience on unsustainable energy; stigmas around renewable energy

function- network to inform patients of influences, costs, experiences within treatment

function- place of commerce, advertising

function- research lab, archives, network

function- power production

so what- displaying (authentic) positive practices would encourage better practice within production and could attract customers retail vendor could relocate to follow demand of consumers

so what- allows people to easily acess academic information, may draw interest into feilds from unlikely sources traveling museums (as opposed to centralized) that visit disconnected communities to offer educational experience critiques the disregard of rural or isolated communities; assumption that communities are uneducated or uncultured function- offers educational services (classes, exhibitions)

so what-produces energy and provides information on why it is important and how it is used, encouraging conservation

so what- putting this information on display could help discourage greedy practice, keep patients from being blind-sided by unexpected costs mobile dental clinic that travels to under-served areas and provides basic care critiques lack of access to care

critiques throw-away culture of retail, seasonal merchandise that produces lots of waste

function- dental care

function- place of commerce

so what- this concept would increase health amongst communities without access to care, or people who are not able to travel easily

so what- having museums come to the people so what- retailers keep product in stock (reduce waste) / relocate to meet new demand rather than instead of the inverse could reach more people, connect “unlikely” audience changing product to please existing consumers structure housing varying healthcare services retail center that meets needs of specific vendors temporary education sites could provide consistent in rotation for a limited time- dental, oncology, for limited period of time, then changes to accommo- education to migrating people (nomadic, immigrant optometry (basic services and screenings) date needs of another communities, natural disasters) critiques lack of access to healthcare in certain critiques idea of permanence or stronghold of big critiques expectation of sedentary lifestyle communities; overwhelming and confusing network box retailers within healthcare function- place of commerce function- education function- provide various basic health services so what- in communities that have little access to specialized healthcare, one structure could house rotating services to ensure periodic access

so what- help to support local or independent businesses by providing temporary exposure or place of commerce designing for/ communicating experiences of people system that up-cycles/recycles discarded clothing and resells it with mental illnesses and diseases or non-visible illnesses critiques culture of fast fashion, desire for all new critiques disregard of non-visible illnesses products, misuse of natural resources

tempor offered (offices critique ability a

function- generate energy

functio

so what- nomadic people would not have to trade so what- could use temporary events to generate way of life for education, displaced people could still energy and bring awareness to renewable methods receive education while drawing unexpected interest education facility that has no standard classtrooms or formal building

so wha station

critiques formal, institutional expectation of education

critique

function- treatment cencter

function- recycle, manufacture, place of commerce function- education, classes, workshops

so what- by providing moe visible/vocal representation, people can recieve more care, resources and empahy installation that allows people to track/ share progress, offers guidance on screenings and things to lookout for critiques isolation surrounding healthcare

so what- could foster community around healthy practices, provide knowledge to people with lack of access

so what- could encourage people to reconsider how and why they discard belongings and where new belongings are sourced ability to track source of materials and stories of those who produced it at sale, ability to share the item’s future story with retailer/manufacturer critiques ignorance about material sourcing; life cycle of product from vender’s point of view (once it’s sold, it’s gone) function- point of commerce; serve as feedback for companies on performance and life cycle of products so what- could help consumers be more aware of purchases, help manufacturer/retail get feedback on product, how to improve/recycle/repair

Healthcare

Retail

function- provide network to receive support and knowledge

pop-up renewable energy sources, temperory event shade structure w/ PV or pop-up “gym” that generates energy critiques unsustainable energy sources

re-use parking

functio

so what- creates environment for learning that takes so wha a stand against uniform, traditional learning environededica ments, fosters creatinity and hands-on careers challen facility offers interaction in education by community recycling center that is hands-on, materials brought members- people coming to share experiences, in by people, processed themselves (paper, glass, train skills cardboard) critiques formal, institutional expectation of educationcritiques use of materials; inproper recycling function- education, classes, workshops

function- recycling materials

so what- creates opportunity for people to learn from so what-people may get excited about the process community, various skills, breaks from formality/age of recycling, think more about it, do it properly expectations, more reciprocal relationship

Education

Sustainability

Tra

Methodology

Conventionality

1 Situation Normal Pointed Question +

2 Criteria for Success

4 Conclusive Question

3 Design / Solution -

+ Questioning

I : Identify Convention

x Conventional Category

Dynamic Quality

II : Identify Issue or Desired End

y

Issue

II : Identify Issue or Desired End

Dynamic Quality

Pointed Question Critique of Convention

Function

So What / Conclusive Question

Conventional Category

Phase 2. Application

The following begins to apply the method to the three example projects.

Application 1 Gig Rest Stop 1 Situation Normal Pointed Question

Situation Normal

The past decade has seen a spike in gig economy work- specifically ride-hail and delivery work associated with the rise of the smart-phone.

Approximately 3% of adults report driving for a service like Uber or Lyft in 2018.

(Federal Reserve Survey, 2019)

A growing number of reports show that these workers have little-to-no access to restrooms and other basic workplace amenities because they are classified as contract workers, not employees.

Problem: lack of access to clean restrooms. Rare provided port-a-potties lack running water, are described as unclean, non-ADA compliant, and far too infrequent for high-traffic areas like dense cities and busy airports. Restaurants and stores deny delivery workers from using facilities.

(Vice News, 2020)

Application 1

How can a sufficient number of restrooms be provided in high-trafficked areas?

Critiques lack of amenities and benefits dedicated to gig economy workers

Mobile

Function- provide safe, clean restrooms and rest area that are easily accessible to drivers So What- project would improve daily practice of drivers. Can amenities offer drivers a sense of dignity and recognition?

Transportation Infrastructure

2 Criteria for Success

Pointed Question

How can a sufficient number of restrooms be provided in high-traffic areas?

Criteria for Success

1 toilet per 100 drivers Drivers feel safe Clean (without having to be serviced daily) Running water ADA accessible Adjacent car-park Transportable on standard truck trailer

Application 1

It begins with a logical analysis of the situation.

Business : 1 Toilet per 25 People (for first 50 people)

(IBC, 2018)

New York City Relief Stands : 1 Toilet per 3,750 People (32 stations in city for 120,000 drivers)

(Vice News, 2020)

Application 1

3 Solutions

Critique

Restroom Facilities

Mobility

Function

Mapping of Priorities

Mobile rest stop to fit within standard parking space; providing restroom and break area, adjacent to reserved parking spot.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Application 1

1. Elements designed to be easily disassembled.

2.

3.

All elements can be stored within confines of container.

4.

Three units can be transported on one 28 foot trailer.

Application 1

Rounded Edges Prevent Dark, Dirty Corners

19’

Reserved Parking

Shaded Rest Area

8’6”

Plan

Output Water Tank Input Water Tank 320 gal.

Openings for Cross Ventilation

Screened Canopy

Collapsible Screen Folds at Joints

Corrugated Polycarbonate

Table and Bench Fold Out of Screen

Elevation

PV System for Sensor Lighting

Section

Filter/ Waste Removal

Application 1

4 Conclusive Q

Conclusive Question Can Gig Restrooms offer drivers a sense of dignity?

Acknowledgment?

What other infrastructures need to be designed for contemporary workplace?

Application 2 1 Situation Normal Pointed Question

Situation Normal

While shopping mall and strip mall use is on the decline in the United States, we still account for 39% of the retail space in the world.

(Taschen, 2001)

In 2018, 20% of people reported shopping for groceries online or through an ap.

(Gallup Poll, 2019)

Online shopping is on the rise. However, retail that offers an alternative shopping experience is able to attract consumers to physical stores.

While 80% of income is spent within 20 mi of the home most products travel significant distances to get within that radius.

(National Consumer Study, 2019)

The average grocery store is 3.3 mi from the consumer’s home, but the average vegetable travels 1,500 mi to reach the store. This contributed an additional 12% of emissions to the agricultural process.

Application 2

How would food practices change if sourcing was more interactive and accessible?

Critiques disconnect between consumers and food, particularly in consumerist culture

Interactive

Function- farming and retail experience

So What- project encourages thought about food sourcing. Would experience change people or practice?

Food Sourcing / Consumption

2 Criteria for Success

Pointed Question

How would food practices change if sourcing was more interactive / accessible?

Criteria for Success

Produces Food Yield Serves as Point of Commerce Hands-On / Interactive Experiences Offers Knowledge About Food Sourcing Practices

Application 2 Avg. Distance from home to Grocery Store : 3.3 mi Avg. Distance for Most Spending : 20 mi or less Avg. Distance Vegetables Travel to Consumer : 1500 mi (EFFKT Study) 3.3 mi 20 mi

1500 mi

3 Solutions

Critique

Food Sourcing

Interactive

Function

Mapping of Priorities

Narrative of choice

e

Application 2

Conventional Strip Mall : Easily accessible to most consumers In-person shopping trends declining Experiential shopping increasing

Sourcing Product Point of Commerce Storefront / Display

396

J.S. Larson et al. / Intern. J. of Research in Marketing 22 (2005) 395–414

Study of Conventional Shopping :

summarizing large sets of bbehavi 1 have been explored using princi ysis methods (Bradlow, 2002; Jo however, our goal here is not to variation across customers with instead to cluster respondents into and describe the prototypical path Unfortunately, there are numerou since the application of standard not feasible due to the extremely la constraints imposed by the physic (e.g. people can’t walk through st reason, the contribution of this res the empirical findings of the in-sto introduces to the marketing lite clustering algorithm that can be ap with a large number of spatial co Although this new method rep

“Racetrack” layout- shoppers stick to perimeter

Fig. 1. PathTrackerR data from 20 random customers.

(University of Pennsylvania, 2005)

cies of the signals at the receptor locations are used to triangulate the position of the grocery cart. Thus, for

4

5

3

6 1 2

1 Positive Imagery on Display 2 Interactive Experience 3 Exposure to Conventional Practice 4 Product 5 Point of Commerce 6 Positive Imagery of Potential New Conventions

Application 2

4 5 3

2 6

1

1 Walk through grass lawn for pastured cow 2 Interactive Experience- pet cow, chance to milk cow 3 Walk through factory dairy cows’ 8’x5’ stalls 4 Shop for product 5 Point of commerce 6 Exit with imagery of happy, healthy cow. Questions what farming could be, or helps you enjoy your milk.

Dairy Example

4 5 3 6 1

2

1 Display of natural, high-tech farming 2 Interactive, easy access planting, watering and picking 3 Walk through labor intensive, low-to-ground, exposed to-elements conditions of agriculture workers, passed to washing / spraying stations, and the “discard� mound 4 Shop for product 5 Point of commerce 6 Exit through farming innovations, like hydroponics

Produce Example

Application 2

4 5

3

6

2

1

1 Walk through grass lawn for free range chickens 2 Interactive Experience- feed chickens, check coop for eggs 3 Walk through rows of stacked 8�x10� factory chicken cages 4 Shop for product 5 Point of commerce 6 Exit with imagery of roaming chickens

Poultry Example

4 Conclusive Q

Conclusive Question Would exposure to the dark side of agriculture conventions cause practices to change, or people to change?

How can an alternative to factory farming feed consumers?

Application 3 Parking Lot Living 1 Situation Normal Pointed Question

Situation Normal

The average rent for a studio apartment within walking distance of Arizona State University is $1300 per month.

A survey of California Community College students shows that 1 out of 5 students has experienced homelessness while in school.

Rents continue to increase across the country, especially around universities and other “desired� locations, limiting access and dramatically effecting the lifestyle of students. While rents increase, quality of living remains stagnant or even decreases.

How could student housing be a better investment for young people?

Critiques high cost and low return of student housing

Flexible

Function- housing that is suitable for student life, and adaptable as their life changes So What- modular housing allows students to live by their means and expand their investment when needed

Student / Post-grad Housing

Application 3 2 Criteria for Success

Pointed Question

How can student housing be a better investment for young people?

Criteria for Success

Ability to grow or change over time Cost of living more affordable than alternative after x years Customizable according to student lifestyle Standard basic amenities

Average cost of renting studio apartment in proximity to ASU campus vs.

Cost of paying for parking space for one month, living on campus $12 per day for parking

9’ x 19’ parking space = 171 sqft

x 30 days per month

$360 / 171 sqft

=$360 per month

=$2.12 per sqft

Rio Salado Pkwy

Priest Dr.

$1,300

$360

$1,000

ASU

Ash Ave.

Curry Rd.

E Parkway

Broadway Rd.

Rio Salado Pkwy

$1,000

Ash Ave.

$360 ASU

E Parkway

Broadway Rd.

McClintock Dr.

Rural Rd.

Priest Dr.

$1,300

Application 3

3 Solutions

Critique

Housing

Flexible

Function

Mapping of Priorities

Beginning

Middle

Conventional housing is thriving, yet highly dysfunctional.

Alternative methods emerge.

Alternative methods meet the begin to catch on.

End needs of young people and

Alternative methods take over the previous convention.

Application 3

5

Modular roof structure

4

3

Interior panels added

Modular wall panels added

2

1

Modular base to fit within confines of standard parking space

Only non-flexible component is core: kitchen and toilet

Interior Finish Panels

Modular Wall Panel

Modular Wall Panel

Insulated Block

Exterior Face

Perforated (x35)

Solid (x65)

Hollow Frame (x15)

Inserts

Partition Insert 16” x 12” (x20)

16” x 18” (x20)

(x5)

Bed Board

Application 3

Example Configuration

Example Configuration - Expanded

4 Conclusive Q

Conclusive Question Can one unit continue to provide for someone’s changing life?

Is there a way to side-step the financial hardship or renting and first time buying?

Conclusion

Findings

Project started with: What if you cross (x) with (y)? How can it help us to improve the existing?

By crossing the normal with the normal, there can be a diversion from the preconceived ideas about what solutions have to look like.

Each application became an exploration of further questioning, rather than a practical solution.

Reflection

I was successful in creating a platform for critique, though this did not necessarily result in an improvement.

However, the ability to question conventions and imagine utilizing existing infrastructure differently, feels increasingly important.

I want to get more in-depth with each application. There are more layers of information needed to continue answering ongoing questions about the feasibility of challenging conventions.