Ryan Blackford_Y5 |Unit 14 | Bartlett School of Architecture

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PHYSICAL, BEAUTIFUL, IMPENETRABLE.

RYAN BLACKFORD YEAR 5

UNIT

Y5 RB

AMEXICA

@unit14_ucl

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@unit14_ucl

Y5 RB

RYAN BLACKFORD YEAR 5 rlblackford@gmail.com behance.net/ryanblackford

AMEXICA

PHYSICAL. BEAUTIFUL. IMPENETRABLE. Mexico / U.S.A.

A

s wide scale immigration challenges borders across the globe and boundaries between countries become increasingly concrete, the ‘wall’ becomes a key architectural question of the 21st century. Amexica is a critical reinterpretation of one particular ‘wall’ - a highly densified, linear city spanning the entire length of the US / Mexico border - the result of an urban glitch that emerges as a consequence of careless economic policies and knee-jerk politics.

The proposal explores the architectural potential of the border condition, not as a line in the sand but instead as a series of complex relationships; conflicting values and potential opportunities. The ‘wall’ is revealed as a site of intense economic activity, clashing cultures, opportunistic exploitation and potent urban conditions. These relationships are realised through a series of architectural typology studies along the border that, when viewed together, comprise a holistic impression of a uniquely ‘interstitial’ city condition.

The first part of the design project aims to establish a set of city systems, building on the idea of a linear city and its role in simultaneously cutting and joining two territories. The second part of the investigation consolidates and further dissects these ideas through a series of section cuts; a luxury ‘suburban’ residential district, a waterside marina development, and a bi-national sports stadium. Each of these unique programmatic conditions explore the interstitial nature of the border ‘wall’ in different ways, revealing its innate potential as architecture.

3

AMEXICA PHYSICAL. BEAUTIFUL. IMPENETRABLE.

RYAN BLACKFORD

Bartlett School of Architecture MArch Design Portfolio Submission BENVGA04 UNIT 14

4

UNIT TUTORS Dirk Krolikowski Jakub Klaska

5

TECTONIC STUDY : EXPLORING INTERSTITIALITY

SECTION A

EXPLORING INTERSTITIALITY The idea of the ‘interstice’ is explored as an abstract architectural study.

Volumetric formal studies - relationships between objects, addition, subtraction, intersection and collision - are used as tools to generate inbetween spaces and unique spatial conditions. Tectonic plate movements are used as a metaphorical vehicle, exploring spatial conditions such as friction, divergence (opening up), convergence (emerging outwards).

These conditions reflect the liminal possibilities of interstitial spaces as architectural elements.

INTERSTICE - LINE

INTERSTICE - ZONE

INTERSTICE - GRID

INTERSTICE - BORDER

INTERSTICE - NO MAN’S LAND

INTERSTICE - FISSURE

TECTONICS - FRICTION

TECTONICS - DIVERGENCE

TECTONICS - CONVERGENCE

INTERSTICE - ZONE & BORDER

VOLUME - FRICTION

INTERSTITIAL ‘inter’ (between)

+

‘sistere’ (to stand)

TECTONIC STUDY NO.1 - FRICTIONAL PLANES Influenced by transformative tectonic plate movements, two complex boundary conditions meet at a point. These conditions form an interstitial space between where forms do not nest - creating a sense of friction within.

INTERSTICE - STRETCHED CURVE

FRICTION - FORCE/MOVEMENT

FRICTION - SOLID

GORDON MATTA CLARK - Conical Intersect (atectonics)

VOLUME : ADDITION

VOLUME : SUBTRACTION

VOLUME : DIFFERENCE

FORM : (DIVERGENCE)

FORM : (CONVERGENCE)

FORM : STRUCTURE

VOLUME : FRACTURE?

BARBARA HEPWORTH - Forms and Hollows

6

FRICTION - HOLLOW

-TECTONIC STUDY NO.2 - SUBTRACTION / EMERGENCE

7

-TECTONIC STUDY NO.2 - SUBTRACTION / EMERGENCE

8

-TECTONIC STUDY NO.3 - INTERSECTION / DIVERGENCE

9

-TECTONIC STUDY NO.4 - ADDITION / CONVERGENCE

10

11

RESEARCH / BRIEF BORDERLANDS

SECTION B

BORDER CONDITIONS International Condition Internal Condition

+

Admin. Boundary Potential Admin. Boundary Previous Admin. Boundary Disputed Boundary Urban Area Rural Area Divided Urban Area Militarised Zone Potential Conflict Zone Previous Conflict Zone Shared Infrastructure Potential Shared Infrastructure Previous Shared Infrastructure Exclave

BELFAST, UK (Strategic barrier conditions) -

Still partially active, the Belfast Peace Lines are a series of barriers installed during the ‘Troubles’ in order to keep the peace between different cultural and religeous groups.

These hard edges create an opressive environment and a fragmented urban fabric, with many calling for them to be removed.

LONDON, UK (Possibility of an autonomous state) -

Following the 2016 Brexit referendum, the movement for London Independance became a well-discussed issue due to it’s disproportianate political opinion and economic output - a kind of anti-imperialism.

The existing M25 motorway defines a clear border condition in this instance.

LUXEMBOURG (Landlocked state condition) -

BELGIUM / NETHERLANDS (NASSAU) (Diluted ownership in a urban condition) -

Luxembourg’s landlocked position creates an interesting internal condition in which it can easily define itself as a state, allowing it to reinvent itself based on the needs and opportunities afforded by surrounding countries. An extremely porous border represents it’s openness as a state.

An interesting history of land sales and political deals in the middle ages have left Berle-Nassau a town divided in ownership on a plot-by-plot basis creating a truly bi-nationa town that is so diluted it can barely be considered ‘divided’ a condition.

+

+

+ +

USA / CANADA (Shared infrastructure along a central zone) -

Mostly unguarded and unpopulated border with a demarcated ‘no-touching’ central zone, often used for shared infrastructures such as pipelines and communication lines. Several largescale bi-national projects are planned to improve transport and infrastructure between the border.

USA / MEXICO (SAN DIEGO) (Urban edge vs. buffer zone) -

Difference in planning and security priorities creates a vastly different relationship between sides at the border fence. A non-porous boundary is characterised by heavy traffic and bottlenecking, hindering the potentials of trade that could exist between both nations at this location.

USA / MEXICO (EL PASO) (Infrastructure dividing split urban centers) -

Previously a single city before the Mexican War, El Paso del Norte, these two urban centers share large amounts of business and infrastructure, as well as both areas being predominately latin. The Rio Grande River acts as the dividing line, acting as both shared resource and security measure.

CHILE / ARGENTINA (Natural borderlands and infrastructure opportunities) -

Two highly co-operative nations divided by the Andes mountain range, each country has invested large amounts in tunneling, transport and energy infrastructure across the difficult landscape.

12

GIBRALTAR / SPAIN / MOROCCO (Exclaves creating complex dynamics) -

Gibraltar and Cueta are exclaves, disrupting the natural flows around the strait, an important shipping route with access to the meditaranean area. Each zone employs extraordinary measures to define borders, an international airport dividing Gibraltar from mainland Spain.

MELILLA, SPAIN (A defensive exclave) -

Like Cueta, Melilla is a small city-exclave off the northern coast of Morocco. Borders are highly defended, particularly following the migration crises arising in 2015/16.

A crucial port city, Melilla allows Spain to maintain high trade in the african market by avoiding the need for shipping to other countries.

CATALONIA (Contentious border politics) -

Potentials independance for Catalonia raises questions as to the border politics between Catalonia and Spain, particularly with regards to the EU status of a potential new state.

Shared infrastructures and access to other European mainlaind also becomes a point of consideration.

HOLY SEE / ITAL (A physically inte border condition) -

The Vatican City ge an interesting bor dition despite bein porous with the su urban fabric of Ro condition therefor solely as an admin border rather than cal one, largely re ative of self-impor and cultural symb

an

a p

al

da

LY egrated )

enerates rder conng fairly urounding ome. The re exists nistrative n a physiepresentrtance bolism.

BERLIN, GERMANY (A recognised border relic) -

After the fall of the Berlin wall, several measures were put in place to ensure parts of the wall remained as reminders and symbolic references, while ensuring the urban patchwork was repaired. This kind of ghost border creates a historical reference and places importance on a particular historical period.

KALININGRAD (Disconnected exclave) -

With no direct land or maritime connections to Russia, Kaliningrad is a large exclave (or federal territory) between Estonia and Poland. A heavily militarised territory, it’s value is held in it’s strategic position in Europe - creating a border condition that is extremely closed off to surrounding nations.

LIBERLAND (Unclaimed territory) -

Claimed as part of a borderline discrepancy between Croatia and Serbia, Liberland is a partially-recognised state ‘founded by Vít Jedlicka under the international laws of Terra Nihilus - a condition allowing unclaimed land to be claimed by anyone who desires it. The state is penned to become a liberal tax haven.

ISTANBUL , TURKEY (Topographically created border conditions) -

Istanbul’s varying terrain and status as a rapidly developing city result in a unique set of border conditions where demographics and development are strongly informed by topography. Gentrification of the city in well-connected parts pushes poorer residents into difficult to access areas.

GREAT WALL OF CHINA (Relics of a historical border) -

A ghost border condition is created by the preservation of the ancient Great Wall, acting solely as a symbolic border that is testament to the capabilities of China, an outward showing to the rest of the world.

PHILIPPINES / CHINA (Disputed territories) -

A kind of vacuum here is created by conflicting claims to a series of shoals and islands between mainland China and the Phillipines. Development plans and fishing rights on and around the islands are frozen due to a lack of negotiations between both parties.

+

NORTH KOREA / SOUTH KOREA (De-militarised zone) -

One of the most highly conflictuous borders in the world, the tense border condition here is precipitated a on knife-edge, with defensive measures in place and a high degree of militarisation from both states, representing and distilling a much larger ideological worldwide conflict.

SINGAPORE / MALAYSIA (The city-state condition) -

Having seceded from Malaysia in 1963, Singapore has flourished as a self-contained city-state. The border condition here, across the Jahor Straits, oscillates between defensible and connected, a complex dialogue representing the relationship between the two states.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA (Segregated border conditions through infrastructure) Large infrastructural projects are carefully designed with apartheid mentality in order to contain and control the growth of townships for lower class ethnic groups.

Different techniques such as topography, barriers and planting are used to mask these conditions.

LESOTHO / SOUTH AFRICA (Contained urban area) -

The enforced barrier between countries provides a hard edge to the growing urban area of Lesotho’s capital city, Meseru.

These varying urban/rural dynamics echo some conditions along the mexican border, where administrative boundaries create a hard, abrupt edge between natural demographics.

SUEZ CANAL, EGYPT (Valuable infrastructural exclave) -

Although nationalised by Egypt in the 1960’s. the Suez Canal was previously occupied by the British Empire in an attempt to capitalise on extremely valuable infrastructure allowing shipping access between continents. The condition is completely rural but reresents the value of infrastructure.

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (Remnants of a cultural border condition) Although heavy efforts were made to erase any sign of a border existing, cultural divides along the line remain strong and relatively static, testifying to the lasting effects of creating a border condition. Known as the ‘Seam Line’, some remnants of the border region’s past are still visible.

NICOSIA, CYPRUS (No man’s land) -

One of the only remaining truly ‘divided’ cities in the 21st Century, Nicosia is partly occupied by both Greek Cypriot and Turkish powers, resulting in a ‘Green Zone’ enforced by UN peacekeepers as a buffer zone. This kind of condition creates a kind of architectural vacuum where buildings are left without ownership.

13

LOS ANGELES

CALIFORNIA

COLORADO RIVER BI-NATIONAL ZONE -

One of the longest U.S. rivers, the Colorado river is severely overdrawn and polluted by the time it reaches the border territories. Several bi-national water treatment initiatives are in place here as well as delta recovery programs, primarily based out of the University of San Diego.

17,500

ARIZONA / SONORA SUBREGION -

One of the largest geographical subregions, the Arizona section of the border is mostly arid desert climate and thus unprotected for large stretches.

PHOENIX

JOBS IN THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY

The aerospace industry here is particularly prominent, along with fishing exports based in the Gulf. Tourism and gambling opportunities south of the border also capitalise on nearby larger cities of Tucson and Phoenix.

M

ARIZONA

83 MILES OF EXISTING FENCE

698 MILES OF PROPOSED FENCE

CALEXICO

SAN DIEGO 1,400,000

MEXICALI

TIJUANA 1,700,000

TUCSON

SONORA DESERT BIOSPHERE

SILVER PEAK

CORONADO N.P.

PUERTO PALOMAS

NOGALES DOUGLAS AGUA PRIETA

NOGALES

4.3m SUBREGION POPULATION (1ST)

CALIFORNIA / BAHIA SUBREGION -

The most populous border subregion, the California / Bahia California are is home to large, concentrated metropolitan areas such as San Diego and Tijuana - with Los Angeles also only 200km away.

GULF OF CALIFORNIA -

Home to UNESCO listed natural features and traditional Pueblo american settlements, this part of the borderlands region is largely untouched and heavily preserved. As a result, heavy illegal migration occurs here also.

The Mexican settlements in this area are largely responsive to the populated regions of California - expanding to meet and support the bi-national opportunities available.

Primary exports north of the border include Audio-visual equipment, Medical equipment and semiconductor manufacturing as a particularly prominent employer.

SONORA

CHIH

HERMOSILLO

15

SONORA DESERT -

OBREGON

BAHIA CALIFORNIA

MIGRANT DEATHS PER MONTH

The large, unprotected swathe of borderland across the Sonora desert makes up most of the subregion.

With the most concentrated amount of border crossings occuring here, migrant death is a huge issue in the desert heat, leading to bi-national water initiatives.

$110b

LOS MOCHIS

OF TRADE / GOODS PASSING THROUGH TO U.S.A.

CALGARY - DENVER - ALBUQUERQUE EL PASO - JUAREZ - CHIHUAHUA MEXICO CITY

PACIFIC OCEAN Preserved Area Road High-Speed Rail Proposed High-Speed Rail Freight Rail Line District Line State Line International Border Metropolitan Area Border Crossing International Airport

14

One of NASCO’s des trade corridors betw Canada, USA and Me rying large amounts between the countri of the NAFTA schem structure along the ed towns has, and co to see, large investm

CULIACAN

Machinery Manufacture Appliance Manufacture Food Processing Furniture Computer Components Communications Services Automobile Manufacture Freight Services Fresh Food Exports Aerospace Manufacture Medical Equipment Electrical Goods Oil / Gas Production Tourism Plastic Products Clothing Semiconductors Metal Products Gambling Optics Mining Audiovisual Manufacture Timber Production Fishing

USA / MEXICO BORDERLANDS

CENTRAL WESTE SUPERCORRIDOR -

LA PAZ

GULF OF CALIFORNI

Following the Boundary Treaty of 1970 between Mexico and the United States that settled all the pending boundary disputes, the national continental border extends 3,145 kilometers across the breadth of the American continent.

Often considered one of the most contentious borders in the world, it is the source of large amounts of conflict and co-operation simultaneuuously - huge amounts of NAFTA-induced trade flows between, and so do thousands of illegal economic migrants.

3,145km BORDER LENGTH

33

PERMANENT BORDER TRAFFIC CHECKPOINTS

842,000 ESTIMATED ILLEGAL CROSSINGS

415,000

APPREHENSIONS OF ILLEGAL BORDER CROSSINGS

49% APPREHENSION RATE

800k 600k 400k 200k

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

ALBUQUERQUE

OKLAHOMA

NEW MEXICO

3.5%

PASO DEL NORTE SUBREGION -

REGION EMPLOYMENT GROWTH RATE

The split city of El Paso/ Juarez determines the point at which the international border transfers from a surveyed boundary line to the natural border of the Rio Grande.

1.4%

TEXAS

LUBBOCK

U.S. NATIONAL AVERAGE EMPLOYMENT GROWTH

Huge boosts in transport infrastructure have lead to a booming bi-national manufacturing industry that has become a powerhouse of the borderlands despite the higher population of the California subregion. Clothing, Computers and Aerospace industries flourish south of the border, whereas machinery and metal products are usually exported as a response to a growing industry.

LOS CRUCES

NUEVO LEON / TEXAS SUBREGION -

$280b OF TRADE / GOODS PASSING THROUGH TO U.S.A. (2014)

49,000 JOBS IN CAR MANUFACTURING

EL PASO JUAREZ

715,000

15,000

1,325,000

JOBS IN FREIGHT INDUSTRIES

Home to the city of Laredo, the logistics hub and border community of the Atlantic trade supercorridor, this region sees a huge amount of freight traffic moving through the border to the USA and Canada as part of NAFTA.

DALLAS

Heavy transport infrastructure and agricultural engineering battle with the natural flow of the Rio Grande.

A large Mexican automobile industry also flourishes here due to strong infrastructural connections. Fresh produce is the most frequently exported product south of the border along with large amounts of oil and coal.

AUSTIN

PRESIDIO

HUAHUA

DEL RIO

OJINAGA BIG BEND N.P.

SAN ANTONIO

HOUSTON

ACUNA

CHIHUAHUA

VALLE COLOMBIA

LOREDO

ERN R

NUEVO LAREDO

BIG BEND RESERVE -

The most visited national park along the US/Mexico border, Big Bend is a heavily preserved environment struggling with retaining a natural river habitat environment due to overdrawing of the river.

signated ween exico cars of trade ies as part me. Infraconnectontinues ment.

255,000

375,000

MONCLOVA

McALLEN

NUEVO LEON

TORREON

COAHUILA

BROWNSVILLE REYNOSA

MONTERREY

MATAMOROS LAGUNA MADRE

DURANGO

2.5m SUBREGION

DURANGO

MAZATLAN

The second trade ‘supercorridor’, the atlantic route traces most trade traffic between the east coast of north America and Mexico. Loredo has developed exponentially as a result of this increase in trade traffic, becoming a logistics hub.

A

1 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

$195b

ATLANTIC SUPERCORRIDOR -

POPULATION (2ND)

OF TRADE / GOODS PASSING THROUGH TO U.S.A.

QUEBEC - NYC - PHILADELPHIA ATLANTA - TEXAS - MONTERREY MEXICO CITY

LOWER RIO GRANDE SUBREGION -

The second most populous subregion of the borderlands, the lower valley receives a much larger portion of rainfall, with a more hospitable climate for agriculture and related industries.

Main exports include Medical and consumer electronics, while imports to mexico mostly consist of oil, coal and plastic products from Texas.

TAMAULIPAS

ZACATECAS MEXICO CITY

MEXICAN IMMIGRANTS ARE DECREASING AND CENTRAL AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS ARE INCREASING MEX. IMMIGRANTS OTHER IMMIGRANTS

6,000

MIGRANT DEATHS (SINCE 2004)

1,135km

OF BORDER FENCE (VEHICLE AND PEDESTRIAN)

330km

OF PROPOSED BORDER FENCE REINFORCEMENTS

950km

OF PROPOSED BORDER FENCE UNDER DONALD TRUMP

$1.2b

WORTH OF TRADE PER DAY

13.4%

OF ALL U.S. IMPORTS FROM MEXICO

CANADA CHINA MEXICO JAPAN

$608b $535b $494b $216b U.S. TOP TRADING PARTNERS

SCALE : 1 : 2,500,000 50km

100km

150km

N

200km

15

THE THIRD NATION The US/Mexico border can be perceived in three distinct ways - and not mutually exclusively. Firstly as a limit - the perception of the end of a territory in which one condition ends and another begins. Secondly as a Division - in which the permeability of the boundary creates divisions and continuities in certain places between cultural and economic communities. Thirdly, as a catalyst in itself - the unique conditions of difference, conflict and co-operation creating a unique social and urban condition that creates a kind of ‘third nation’ condition.

TIJUANA 1,700,000

SAN DIEGO 1,400,000

TECATE 64,000

BORDER AS LIMIT

TECATE 2,000

(The line in the sand) On one hand, the border is often perceived as the limit of a place, particularly to those who don’t engage with it regularly - the idea of what happens beyond a border is often misunderstood, partticularly as a frontier.

MEXICALI 303,000

CALEXICO 41,000

SAN COLORADO 159,000

SAN LUIS 12,000

BORDER AS DIVISION (The divided cityscape / landscape) To look at urban divides along the border on the other hand, can be seen as a series of divided cultures, divided economies and divided urban conditions. This is dependant on the solidity of the barrier between countries in one sense.

NOGALES

NOGALES

105,000

212,000

AGUA PRIETA 79,000

DOUGLAS 26,000

BORDER AS CATALYST (A specific urban condition) We can also consider the border as a ‘specific’ urban condition - that which generates a unique cultural, economic and political form - if not immediately obvious within the urban form.

JUAREZ 1,325,000

EL PASO 715,000

OJINAGA 22,000

PRESIDIO 5,000

ACUNA 35,000

DEL RIO 24,000

PIEDRAS NEGRAS

EAGLE PASS

56,000

40,000

NUEVO LAREDO 375,000

MIGUEL 2,000

NAFTA CORRIDORS -

LAREDO 255,000

Existing infrastructures in place to accomodate high free trade between Mexico-US-Canada.

REYNOSA 120,000

ROMA 4,000

MATAMOROS 305,000

HIDALGO 105,000

BROWNSVILLE 302,000

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SAN DIEGO / TIJUANA

IMPERIAL VALLEY

(Pacific marine climate - mild/dry) Mild to hot Californian climates afford heavy use of concrete and other robust, high thermal mass materials.

Timber is often used throughout California although less common in the south. Bright materials allow for efficient solar management.

(Mid-lat. semi-arid - mild/moist) Agricultural corridor with high elevations along the Colorado River.

High use of timber, particularly at higher elevations as well as a strong Californian modernism influence with dark metals and concrete being used in local buildings.

WEST SONORA

SONORA DESERT / WEST ARIZONA

(Desert climate - very hot/very dry) Lower amounts of civilisation in the Desert areas but home to several examples of native Pueblo dwellings, utilising natural shading and heavy mass materials carved out of the earth. Vegetation is sparse and heat makes habitation difficult.

(Arid climate - hot/dry) Expansive desert area lends itself to utilising high thermal mass materials, with several examples of rammed earth traditional dwellings.

Desert communities and events often contrast the expanse of the desert with sculptural art and architecture.

EL PASO / CUIDAD JUAREZ (Semi-arid climate - hot/medium dry) A historic Mexican settlement, the border towns feature strong Mexican architectural influences. Slightly more habitable climate affords more conventional materials such as concrete, glazing, steel frames and traditional stucco.

EAST ARIZONA / CHIHUAHUA (Arid climate - hot/dry) Popular examples of modernist architecture and new communities preserve a thoroughly 20th Century feel, utilising materials of the time such as local stone, concrete and steel, along with heavy emphasis on landscaping.

BIG BEND / RIO GRANDE VALLEY

MID-TEXAS CORRIDOR

(Semi-arid climate - hot/medium dry) Low population and high amount of preservation calls for subtle architectural approaches, utilising local materials and appropriate use of vegetation. Healthy river at this point calls for minimal intervention architecturally.

(Humid subtrop. climate - hot/humid) More fertile climate and river irrigation lend to higher use of timber, along with local limestone as a key building material. Lots of examples of historic Mission architecture. Challenging elevations call for complex structural solutions.

SOUTH TEXAS GULF

A LINEAR CONDITION

(Humid subtrop. climate - hot/humid) Subtropical climate with high use of concrete and stone based materials along with a small amount of timber construction. More industrialised areas occupy the border close to the gulf coast. Vegetation is lush and fertile due to proximity to Rio Grande.

The border itself acts as a unifying element - tying together a borderlands community defined by a cultural crossover between both nations as well as a thriving economic relationship (particularly immediately adjacent to the border.

Across its 3000km length however, the terrain, landscape and vernacular conditions vary greatly - from semi-arid, alpine conditions at high elevations in California, to the lifeless expanse of the Sonora Desert.

17

21% OF TOTAL WORLD MERCHANDISE TRADE 2015

NAFTA - AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) forms the basis for the huge economic-industrial potential of the Borderlands region, responsible for around $1bn of import/export trade crossing the border each day. However, President Trump’s insistence on building an ‘impenetrable’ wall along the border as well as intentions to renegotiate NATA have threatened this economic system.

$39.9b

EUR 39%

ASIA 33%

PRE-NAFTA EXPORTS FROM MEX TO USA - 1993

$294.2b POST-NAFTA EXPORTS FROM MEX TO USA - 2014

09 DEC

1993

Clinton signs North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) into law.

15 DEC

1998

Mexico’s manufacturing industry continues to grow.

Maquiladora act and a strengthening Peso create an exponentially growing manufacturing industry in northern Mexico along the US border.

The world’s largest free trade agreement is created between Mexico, Canada and the U.S., expected to bring hundreds of thousands of jobs in manufacturing and services to each economy.

LARGEST EXPORTS OF MEXICO AND USA (2016)

AUTOMOBILES AND VEHICLE PARTS - $94b ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT / COMPONENTS - $78b

-

-

MACHINERY / EQUIPMENT - $94b

AEROSPACE - $38b

LL WA 07 R E # E P E RD TY ET B O O T O CONCRELOW ED 10’ B RC PR S

OIL AND COAL - $94b

CLOTHING AND FURNITURE - $19b

MINERALS AND RAW METALS - $94b

MEDICAL SUPPLY AND EQUIPMENT - $15b

FO LU IN RE 10’ (P L SE EE BA ND. ST ’ BE OU ATED E 14 TU R G UG ENC TOP R F R EL CO TED TE UN BS O IM M CL TI. AN TED UN MO

15 JAN

2007

Illegal immigration across US/Mexico border reaches record high.

2006 saw a total of 1,089,062 apprehensions of illegal immigrants crossing the border, causing congress to pass emergency funding for Homeland Security.

16 JUN

2015

“I’ll build a wall and Mexico will pay for it!” - Trump announces candidacy.

Donald Trump officially announced his running for the 2016 presidential election as a republican candidate on the promise to build a ‘beautiful, powerful, impenetrable’ wall.

“

-

-

On day one, we will begin working on an impenetrable, physical, tall, powerful, beautiful southern border wall.

S L D MO RETE NB TIO NC DA CO E UN FIL FO O ’.

E R T 24 RE BP IM NC CL CO INT PS DA 9’ RO DE EP UN OL RO LP EE T S

09 NOV

2016

“

LL WA 02 R E # E P RD TY S ED B O O T O INFORC ROFILE P E P R ULAR R ECTION K OC

- Donald Trump

Donald Trump to become 45th president of the U.S.A. Donald Trump beat Hilary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election last night on his promises to ‘build a wall’ and ‘make America great again.’

31%

2016 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION RESULTS (REP VICTORY)

OF AMERICANS THINK TRUMP WILL BUILD THE ‘WALL’

27%

ELECTORAL VOTES

232

OF AMERICANS THINK MEXICO WILL PAY FOR THE ‘WALL’

25% 18

OF AMERICANS ACTUALLY WANT A ‘WALL’

2012 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION RESULTS (DEM VICTORY)

270 TO WIN

306 TRUMP

CLINTON

48%

6% POPULAR VOTE

46%

BORDER ECONOMIES With pressure building on Trump’s administration to fulfil it’s promise of an ‘impenetrable wall, external political and economic pressures are also mounting from Mexico, Canada and China - the USA’s top 3 trading partners. With the looming threat of a trade war between once strong partnerships, Trump must take drastic measures to ensure economic stability while providing his legacy project; the ‘wall’.

Donald J. Trump

@RealDonaldTrump - Nov.11

I don’t blame China, I blame the incompetence of past Admins for allowing China to take advantage of the U.S. on trade up to a point where the U.S. is losing $100’s of BILLIONS. 31k

29k

135k

Yen and Ruble see sharp increase after Trump victory, Peso drops.

12 NOV

2016

Japanese and Russian currency strength increases following news of Trump’s victory and his plans to renegotiate free trade and NAFTA.

22 AUG

2017

Trump threatens government shutdown over border wall funding.

Donald Trump today stated he would cause a government shutdown if democrats in congress didn’t approve full funding for his border wall project.

Donald J. Trump

@RealDonaldTrump - Sep. 14

The WALL, which is already under construction in the form of new renovation of old and existing fences and walls, WILL continue to be built.

FURTHER TRADE DEALS ARE SEEN AS DETRIMENTAL TO THE HEALTH OF NAFTA, PARTICULARLY CONCERNING CHINA

25k

03 NOV

2017

24k

104k

Trump meets Xi Jinping as he looks for trade deals in China.

As part of his trip to Asia, Trump meets the Chinese president to discuss further trade negotiations between the two nations.

RISING NORTH KOREA CONFLICT ACTS AS A STUMBLING BLOCK FOR US CHINA NEGOTIATIONS

RANK

13 DEC

2017

Deadline looms for Trump’s border wall funding package.

COUNTRY -

WORLD

1

EXPORTS

IMPORTS

TOTAL

DEFECIT

1,454,624

2,188,940

3,643,564

-734,316

CHINA

115,775

462,813

578,588

-347,038

2

CANADA

266,827

278,067

544,894

-11,240

3

MEXICO

230,959

294,151

525,110

-63,192

4

JAPAN

63,264

132,202

195,466

-68,938

5

GERMANY

49,362

114,227

163,589

-64,865

6

SOUTH KOREA

42,266

69,932

112,198

-27,666

7

U.K.

55,396

54,326

109,722

+1,070

-

Congress unlikely to approve funding for $12b border security package, prompting hostile response from Trump.

Mexican government emphasise ‘unwilling to pay’.

Donald J. Trump

@RealDonaldTrump - Dec.14

21 NOV

2017

Canada concerns over a potential trade war with U.S. Canadian officials have registered concerns with U.S. activity in securing trade deals with China and imposing further sanctions on NAFTA.

FAKE NEWS congress can’t get on board with the WALL! But they can’t stop the AMERICAN PEOPLE - WE WILL BUILD THE WALL! 456k

25 APR

2018

987k

1.1m

Trudeau calls for NAFTA reconciliation talks.

Canadian president Justin Trudeau has called on Trump and Neito to repair trade relationships in attempts to avoid a trilateral trade war in the NAFTA region.

30 APR

2018

“Mexico is open for NAFTA negotiations, but attitudes must change” President Neito has suggested a willingness to reconcile with US after trade disputes, providing a radical reconsideration of trade agreements and infrastructure.

19

AN UNLIKELY SOLUTION As a solution to worsening economic relationships and his campaign promise of the ‘wall’, the Trump administration along with the Mexican Government proposes a unique scheme to create a Free-Trade Zone (FTZ) along the border. With development from private companies, the border region is developed as a unique urban condition - both economically active and secure as a ‘wall’.

Executive Order no. 134764 -

Creation of a Bi-national trade and manufacturing zone along the U.S. - Mexico Borderlands Region

After a long and fruitful negotiation between both countries, an understanding has been reached between us that can benefit both parties, maximising trade and creating jobs between our borders while allowing a secure barrier to be created that reduces the flow of illegal immigration. The creation of a bi-nationally managed trade and manufacturing zone will be allocated along the existing border line, with several key objectives; • • • • •

Creation of a secure yet uninhibited trade infrastructure allowing maximum efficiency in trading between both nations for imports and exports - reducing obstructions.

Providing a managed and self-sufficient buffer zone across the entire border, allowing for security and enforcement without relying on public investment.

Providing initial infrastructural developments allowing industry to consolidate and grow along the bi-national zone through tax incentives based on bi-national co-operation.

To promote and preserve the interdependance between communities (social and economic) along the borderlands region.

To formally recognise the potential of the borderlands region as an area of economic and cultural growth.

Donald J. Trump

114k

15 JUN

2018

Donald J. Trump

EO: Creation of a bi-national border trade zone.

26 MAY

2018

Mexico and U.S.A. have agreed on a mutually beneficial proposal for a deregulated trading zone to combat the NAFTA crisis and improve border security.

Signed,

45th President of the United States

@RealDonaldTrump - May.12

Big progress with Mexico, looking at some new options for the WALL - and getting more AMERICAN JOBS in the area. AND THE BEST BIT - MEXICO HAVE AGREED TO PAY FOR IT (well, half at least)

21 JUN

2018

621k

911k

Mexico/USA to agree on bi-national initiative to improve trade and combat immigration issues.

Trump and Neito promise radical solutions to solve NAFTA crisis and improve borderlands security.

New American Landgrab: MNC’s rush to buy up private land along border.

Google, Amazon, Facebook, CaixaBank all rush to buy out private property within the bi-national border zone, sparking the next North American landgrab.

13 SEP

2018

Homestead Act 1862 An important government initiative in expanding community settlement across the U.S. - the homestead Act allowed for federally owned land to be auctioned off on a large scale to private citizens.

Federal land fetches high auction prices along the US-Mex border: A 21st century Homestead Act...

-

Businesses are competing for the large areas of land immediately adjacent to the US border.

14 OCT

2018

U.S. Border set to become entirely privatised, large-scale developments are planned throughout.

The border wall - in a surprising turn of events - is set to become entirely privately owned following Trump’s tax break program.

15 DEC

2018

Trump’s Wall begins to take shape, but not as expected!

Trump and Neito’s surprise partnership has lead to unexpected results and widespread devlopments planned along the border zone.

20

BIRTH OF ‘AMEXICA’ - A TERRITORIAL GLITCH Much like the way in which Hong Kong emerged as a unique territorial condition due to it’s in-between status, the US-Mexico border emerges in this situation as ‘Amexica’ - a bi-national zone with relative political and economic autonomy; founded on principles of free-market capitalism. Such liminal urban conditions create a state of extreme capital flows and investment - a glitch within conventional notions of territory - enjoying limited regulation, opportunities to capitalise on resources from both sides if the border, as well as opportunities for taxation and control of trade between the US and Mexico.

$

$

$

$

$

$ $

The new territory is considered as a kind of citystate, much like the Special Administrative Region that defines Hong Kong. Overlapping jurisdiction and political oversight cause Amexica to become a territory of low economic regulation and state influence.

$

$

$$

BI-NATIONAL POLITICAL STATUS $

$ $

$

$ $ $ $

HONG KONG’S LEGAL STATUS Complex relationships and territory leases between Great Britain and China make Hong Kong a unique territorial anomaly in which state intervention and regulation becomes difficult.

$

$

AMEXICA

SKILLED WORKERS

PHYSICAL. BEAUTIFUL. IMPENETRABLE.

HIGH CONSUMER GDP

$

THE FREE-MARKET ‘WALL’ Trump’s ‘wall’ is realised as a site of extreme economic potential and capital flows - a literal ‘pulling apart’ of two territories to capitalise on the relationships and flows between them. The result is ‘Amexica’ - a new territory that presents itself as an extreme version of both nations.

MANIPULATING BORDERS - BEST OF BOTH

DEVELOPMENT STATISTICS The 100m zone, while stretching across over 3000km of land territory, only occupies the area of a small metropolitan region. However, like Manhattan, the clearly defined limits of the city create the opportunity for extremely dense urban development across its length.

Through occupying the border condition itself, Amexica is able to capitalise on it’s status as neither one country nor the other - enjoying the benefits offered by each; while using strategic bordering, closure and openings in order to control these flows and interactions in the best way possible.

CHEAP WORKFORCE

MANUFACTURING

$$ $$$ $ $$

$$ $ $$$ $$

SECURED TERRITORY - WALLS WITHIN WALLS

100m

Total Length:

3145km

$

Not only acting as a secure wall between both countries, the territorial glitch of Amexica becomes a nested series of borders and access rights.

Boundary conditions - both closures and openings - are strategically utilised to maximise economic potential from different demographics.

x100m BORDER ZONE

El Paso/Juarez Total Area:

RESOURCE CONTROL

Total Area:

571.3km2

314.5km2 (+2.9km2)

$ CUSTOMS &

maritime zone

TAXATION

THE ‘PORT’ CITY BORDERLAND REGION POPULATION:

MAX. BORDER ELEVATION:

11.8m

+1,585m

Through declaring the entire border as an autonomous territory, Amexica is able to control both natural resources and trade activity between both countries - acting in the same way that port cities such as Venice and Ragusa became successful through feeding off of shipping routes.

100m

21

HOME OF THE FORTUNE 500 The first in a series of commercial adverts for the Amexica development, this poster aims to capture the pioneering sentiment of the project, with big business rushing to capitalise on this unique economic and urban condition that has emerged along the border.

New opportunities are presented to entrepreneurs and innovators alike, in a distinct throwback reference to the Homestead Act in the 1800’s that sparked settlement and industry across the West.

22

PHYSICAL. BEAUTIFUL. IMPENETRABLE. The second in the series of adverts for Amexican investment aims to sell the lifestyle opportunities of a linear city - passing through some of the most iconic desert landscapes, national parks and reservoirs in the US/Mexico.

Capitalising on this immediate relationship to landscape, a linear city is able to offer the urban density and natural beauty of landscape simultaneously, providing an opportunity for an attractive new lifestyle.

23

THE GLOBAL HIGHWAY The third advertisement, aimed at the Chinese investment market, focuses on the opportunity for investment in trans-border infrastructure, in particular the creation of a high speed freight route from San Diego/ Tijuana to The Gulf of Mexico at Brownsville, Texas.

Existing routes for trade between China and Europe have historically been difficult due to long wait times at the Panama Canal or the need to ship around the Americas.

24

CALIFORNIA

Around a third of Land in the U.S. is federally owned, mostly in the West as seen in the map above. Partly a reflection of the difficult Western Terrain and the limited success of settlement initiatives to sell off land compared to the relatively fertile and flat east and midwest regions. In Mexico, land use stems back to early Aztec land ownership principles, in which communal land and common use was a large part of community life.

BAHIA CALIFORNIA

NEVADA

LAND USE ALONG THE BORDER

N

ARIZONA

BAHIA SUR

SONORA

SINALOA

CHIHUAHUA

DURANGO

NEW MEXICO

COAHUILA

NUEVO LEON TAMAULIPAS

TEXAS State Line International Border Existing Border Fence Proposed Fence - USA Bureau of Land Management National Forest Service National Park Service Department of Defense

Bureau of Wildlife Conservation Bureau of Indian Affairs Department of Reclamation - MEX ‘Ejido’ Communal Use Land ‘Municipal ‘Ejido’ Land National Parks Conservation Land Mexican Military Area

OKLAHOMA 25

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- MASTERPLAN Border Vista Infrastructure Zone Express Infrastructure Route 100m Zone Boundary BCZ (IBC Border Crossing Zone) SEZ (Special Economic Zone) FSEZ (Federally Administered SEZ) SAZ (Special Agricultural Zone) FPZ (Free Port Zone) STZ (Sustainable Tourism Zone) EEZ (Environ. Enterprise Zone) DEZ (Defense Enterprise Zone) CEZ (Conservation Ent. Zone) INEZ (Indian Nation Econom. Zone) WEZ (Water Enterprise Zone) Port Facility Airport Zone of Interest

- MEX ‘Ejido’ Communal Use Land ‘Municipal ‘Ejido’ Land National Parks Conservation Land Mexican Military Area

- USA Bureau of Land Management National Forest Service National Park Service Department of Defense Bureau of Wildlife Conservation Bureau of Indian Affairs Department of Reclamation

State Line International Border International Maritime Border River Water Body Koppen Climate Zone Extent Metropolitain Area Proposed Road/Rail Key Routes

T EIGH FR GE HAN

SS E PA GL EA

DO RE LA TERC IN

+

IR

EN

RV

PO

CU

IDAD

+

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S

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O EV NU ON LE OIR RV SE NE D RE C ZO ISTA TEGI STRA

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I A HU TE + ++ ++ + + ++

OF LF O GU XIC ME

27

SO

PA

PRIVATE LAND PRIVATE LAND

PRIVATE LAND MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

SAN DIEGO / TIJUANA PORT HUB (Pacific coast region with potentials for sea and air infrastructure) PRIVATE LAND

NATIONAL OCEANIC ADMINISTRATION

-

A variety of land ownership and civic functions close to the border line itself.

A highly secured border region with varying topography.

A large concentration of US military activity and land ownership based out of San Diego.

Potential for a Sea Port with close links to metropolitain and international air infrastructure - despite difficult sea conditions in the Pacific the port would be a prime location for trade with China.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS

TOHONO NATION RESERVATION CITY (Desert region with virtually no settlements and complex land ownership)

PRIVATE LAND

-

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

-

The Tohono O’Dodham Indian Nation reservation occupies a large section of land on the US side of the border, presenting an opportunity for Native American industry to flourish in an unlikely location Difficulty of securing water resources must be considered.

Wild Jaguar habitats and movement cycles must be considered bi-nationally in design proposals Potential for Vegas-style tourism and service industries associated with this kind of development.

BUREAU OF RECLAMATION NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

PRIVATE LAND

SONORA MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA (Mountainous National park region with endangered watersheds)

PRIVATE LAND

-

28

Difficult terrain and lack of water resources defines a mountainous region of the border near the Sonora Desert.

Potential opportunities for desert and mountain-based tourism and events.

Proximity to civic centers such as San Diego/Tijuana and El Paso/ Juarez allow for quick travel times.

Difficult terrain presents difficulties for infrastructure moving across the border region - potential for ‘express’ diversion of route.

PRIVATE LAND

PRIVATE LAND JUAREZ PARK SERVICE

EL PASO / JUAREZ CIVIC DISTRICT (Civic center with high volumes of commercial, freight and pedestrian traffic) INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AND WATER COMMISSION

-

Midpoint between both ends of the border suggests an optimum point for a civic Border City ‘Center’.

Heavily engineered riverbed has potential for quick and easy development, as well as protective water sustainability measures.

High proportion of federally owned lands means land can be retained for infrastructure and public works projects.

Potential to be an initial ‘showcase’ development for the Border City region, utilising local high-tech industry as a development driver.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

MINISTRY OF LAND CONSERVATION

NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK (Segregated border conditions through infrastructure)

EJIDO

PRIVATE LAND

-

Extremely challenging terrain requires light touch development in order to capitalise on economic benefits of the area.

High proportion of National Park lands on both sides of the border, creating opportunities for tourism and sustainable enterprises in a short distance from various civic centers.

Potential for mining operations in certain locations.

Current poor river health can act as a catalyst for sustainable development and engineering.

PRIVATE LAND BUREAU OF RECLAMATION PRIVATE LAND

MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES

AMISTAD RESERVOIR STRATEGIC ZONE (Segregated border conditions through infrastructure)

INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AND WATER COMMISSION

-

Complex bi-national land ownership around the Amistad Reservoir suggests a mixed program of uses for the reservoir such as transport infrastructure, water purification and hydro-electric power.

Privately owned island parcels could be developed to support recreation and tourism infrastructure.

Further engineering and reclaimation works can be catalysed by the development of the site to improve water security.

Complex access and infrastructure strategies required on water.

29

30

31

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT THE CITY OF AMEXICA

SECTION C

TOKYO BAY COMPETITION - KENZO TANGE A linear ‘spine’ becomes the basis of Tange’s proposal for regenerating Tokyo Bay - organised around the linear flows of infrastructure. Other functions such as housing and leisure break off and extend from this model.

THE ‘LINEAR’ CITY The clearly defined, linear nature of the emerging urban condition at Amexica draws upon existing theories associated with linear cities and urban organisation. These ideas are compiled and explored further in the author’s written thesis, exploring the nature of the ‘wall’ as an essential - and inevitable - part of the city. These ideas form a basis for an architectural / urban approach to designing and speculating on the opportunities of Amexica as a linear city and a ‘wall’.

LINEAR CITY - ARTURO SORIA As a response to urban sprawl, Soria’s proposal defines clear limits to how the city is allowed to grow, maintaining linear organisation of infrastructure and an intense urban/ rural relationship.

WALL AS URBAN FORM As seen throughout history (and up to the present), the wall has always been a somewhat intrinsic element within the city; capable of controlling flows of cultural, economic and political exchanges. These studies explore the idea of the wall ‘as’ an urban form - a linear city - that does not aim to connect in 2 dimensions through the conventional urban grid, but instead focus flows alonmg a linear path or vector, the base unit of efficient infrastructure.

inSITE FESTIVAL - SAN DIEGO / TIJUANA An annual bi-national festival held at the borderlands demonstrates the cultural productivity and hybridisation found between both countries at the border itself - a celebration of two cultures colliding at a hard edge.

SHORELINE ECOSYSTEMS Where two ‘states’ meet within nature at clearly defined boundaries, such as shorelines and reefs, ecological activity becomes particularly high and productive as species must adapt and conflict with each other.

WALL AS CULTURAL OVERLAP The idea of the border is not simply a ‘line in the sand’, but also represents a zone of intense cultural, ecological and social interaction - a culturally productive spatial condition. The idea of the linear city capitalises on this hybridisation and productivity, focusing development along the vector line of these edges in order to build upon and exacerbate these conditions. Such comparisons are seen frequently in cities and nature.

EXODUS - REM KOOLHAAS Koolhaas’ observations of the Berlin wall are reinterpreted as an architectural maneuver, utilising the ‘wall’ as a way to separate and frame new elements of the city as extreme versions of the old.

KOWLOON WALLED CITY Strongly defined by planning anomalies - a kind of urban ‘glitch’ - the walled city of Kowloon emerged as an urban ecosystem with a contrasting grain to its context, yet still a functioning part of Hong Kong.

WALL AS A FRAME

As well as a ‘dividing’ element, the ‘wall’ is also capable of ‘enclosing’. Much like a picture frame is chosen to compliment and exxagurate the features of a painting or photograph - the wall can be used to emphasise and separate certain architectural conditions, both symbolically and spatially. In examples such as Koolhaas’ Exodus, the oppressive nature of the wall is turned around to create a sense of desire and exclusivity within internal architectural conditions.

32

CITY / LANDSCAPE RELATIONSHIP (Brasilia megablocks / Arizona Desert landscaping) -

Continuous parkscape at upper level of city provides a natural relationship with surrounding landscape and reduces/normalises visual impact.

Immediacy to landscape provides urban opprtunities not usually afforded by a city.

Spine layouts (right) can be optimised to make use of particular urban or landscape conditions in order to best make use of surrounding opportunities.

ARTICULATED GROUND PLANE (Chicago Grid / Amistad Reservoir conservation area) -

-

Linear city layout has opportunity to respond to sensitive conditions in a more controlled way - unlike traditional sprawling urban models.

Bridges, submersions and gates can be used within the 100m zone in order to respond to necessary conditions such as conservation areas, important highway routes and existing border crossings.

Higher and lower densities are reflected in the height of ground planes, (ie. suburban and CBD)

DENSITY AND VOID SPACES (New York grid / Sonora Desert / Royal Crescent - London) -

High density and tall building areas can make use of voids and entry points to deal with issues associated with higher urban density etc.

Various types of void can be used to articulate different directional conditions (diagrams left) Using both voids and oversailing to vary the perceived width of the city while still maintaing a rigid linear footprint.

33

-

SUPER-TERRA PLANE

-

TERRA PLANE

-

SUB-TERRA PLANE

LAYERED CITY LAYOUT (Parisian block / Nogales, AZ / Cartesian Tower Block Corbusier) -

Linear city layout has opportunity to respond to sensitive conditions in a more controlled way - unlike traditional sprawling urban models.

Bridges, submersions and gates can be used within the 100m zone in order to respond to necessary conditions such as conservation areas, important highway routes and existing border crossings.

THREE DISTINCT CITY LEVELS (Creating a distinct planning system) -

-

Linear city layout has opportunity to respond to sensitive conditions in a more controlled way - unlike traditional sprawling urban models.

Bridges, submersions and gates can be used within the 100m zone in order to respond to necessary conditions such as conservation areas, important highway routes and existing border crossings.

Higher and lower densities are reflected in the height of ground planes, (ie. suburban and CBD)

THREE DISTINCT CITY LEVELS (Creating a distinct planning system) -

-

34

Linear city layout has opportunity to respond to sensitive conditions in a more controlled way - unlike traditional sprawling urban models.

Bridges, submersions and gates can be used within the 100m zone in order to respond to necessary conditions such as conservation areas, important highway routes and existing border crossings.

Higher and lower densities are reflected in the height of ground planes, (ie. suburban and CBD)

WALL SCALE CITY SCALE

BASE

TAPER

(dense urban conditions)

OVERHANG

(sensitive urban conditions)

BRIDGE

(available space / roadways)

(water bodies / highways)

BASE

TAPER

OVERHANG

BRIDGE

MID-SPINE

FOLDED

FOLDED

GRADUAL

BASE

TAPER

OVERHANG

BRIDGE

OFF-SPINE

STEPPED

STEPPED

GRADUAL DIP

BRIDGE

BASE

TAPER

OVERHANG

SIDE-SPINE

BALCONIES

FOLDED

FOLDED

STEPPED

SOFT

PEAKS

BASE SPLIT-SPINE

OVERHANG

BRIDGE

FOLD-UP

STEPPED

BASE SUBMERGED-SPINE

BALCONY / OVERSAILING LANGUAGE

BOWL

OVERHANG FOLD-UP DIP

OVERHANG FOLD-UP SPLIT

OVERHANG BALCONIES

35

EXTEND

GATE

(high urban density / views)

SUBMERGE

(roadways / border facilities)

(conserv. areas / nat. parks)

EXTEND

EXTEND

SUBMERGE

POINT

WIDE

FOLDED

FOLDED

INCLINE

EXTEND

EXTEND

POINT

POINT

FOLDED

INCLINE

EXTEND

EXTEND

SUBMERGE

WIDE

WIDE

STEPPED

FOLDED

INCLINE

EXTEND

EXTEND

POINT

POINT

FOLD-IN

INCLINE

EXTEND

EXTEND

EXTEND

SUBMERGE

WIDE

OFF-SPINE

OFF-SPINE

FOLDED

FOLDED

SOLID

SOLID

STEPPED

EXTEND

EXTEND

EXTEND

WIDE

OFF-SPINE

OFF-SPINE

INCLINE

SOLID

SPLIT

SUBMERGE FOLDED TAPER

SUBMERGE FOLDED STEPPED

CUTTING ‘CHANNELS’

SUBMERGE STEPPED

INCLINE

EXTEND POINT

36

INCLINE

EXTEND

EXTEND

OFF-SPINE

OFF-SPINE

INCLINE

SPLIT

SUBMERGE STEPPED

BREAK

DIP

(plazas / natural features)

PEAK

(parkland / pedestrian areas)

LANDSCAPE

(interchanges / urban hubs)

(rural areas)

BREAK

DIP

PEAK

LANDSCAPE

FOLDED

BREAK

BREAK

SCUPPERED

FOLDED

FOLDED

DIP

PEAK

BREAK CANYON

BREAK

BREAK FOLDED PEAKS

BREAK LANDSCAPE PEAKS

BREAK

STEPPED

SOLIDS

DIP

PEAK

BREAK

BREAK

SOLIDS

SOLIDS

DIP

PEAK

DIP

SUBMERGE

FOLDED

LANDSCAPE SCUPPERED

LANDSCAPE FOLDED

ARTIFICIAL NATURE

VOID

BREAK

LANDSCAPE FOLDED PEAKS

DIP FOLD-UP

LANDSCAPE FOLDED PEAKS

LANDSCAPE CANYON PEAKS

37

TWIST

(changing urban conditions)

SUSPEND

(rivers / canyons)

SPLIT

(steep / uneven terrain)

VOID

(contrasting urban grids)

TWIST WALL BASE

TWIST WALL MID-SPINE

TWIST TOWER

TWIST TOWER FOLDED

TWIST TOWER FOLDED

38

CARVE

(unattractive landscape)

FLOAT

(reservoir borders / sea)

CITY FORM - NOLLI MAP

THE NOLLI MAP REIMAGINED

CONTEXTUAL INTEGRATION

(A traditional urban form) The urban form of most cities exists as a patchwork of plots, each divided and defined by streets, developing either naturally or as part of a grid system. This represents the sprawltype growth of a city in a radial nature.

(A series of stretched channels) An extreme linearity demanded by a city with such extreme ratio dimensions - 100 meters x 3000 km - causes the urban form to warp and grow in a different way, with an elongated grain reminiscent of urban settlements in valleys etc.

(Channels branch and integrate) In order to respond and integrate with neighbouring context, the urban form must naturally spill outwards, feeding off of existing urban infrastructure in order to grow lengthways. By orienting itself to existing axes and key features, the form is less alien.

ELONGATING URBAN FORM The linear nature of the new urban condition facilitates a new way of organising traditional spatial layout of the city. In this experiment, the street-focused layout of Rome in Giambattista’s Nolli map is stretched and distorted along the horizontal direction - the traditional city block encircled by street is reimagined as an elongated ‘channel’ that can both intimitely relate and set itself apart from other similar forms.

39

CITY ORGANISATION AND INTEGRATION Conventional organisation of the city around a repeated grid presents an incompatiable response to a linear city stitching between two existing, yet unrelated, urban grains. A series of studies are undertaken, exploring how the urban grids of surrounding contexts can be manipulated to form a new grid that efficiently capitalises on the flows between, while simultaneously accomodating new program.

AMERICAN CITY GRID

SPINE GRID

VERTEBRAE GRID

LADDER GRID

(Uniform grid of 4-way intersections) The universal grid presents problematic approaches to urban form along the border, as both sides feature different urban grain on either side of the borderline.

The uniform grid also does not accomodate the linear nature of the new city.

(Main street with arterial intersection) Organising the city along a spine makessense in the context of a linear city, as the single, infinite line is of course the most efficient metric of infrastructure.

The efficiency of the pattern is, however defined by how many arteries or ‘vertebrae’ obstruct.

(Angled arterials towards existing urban grain) Angled vertebrae arteries allow for efficient intersections where spines meet as well as being able to shift and distort towards urban grain on either side of the border line. These angled lines also define character within plots and streets.

(Split spine with connections) Where program of the city requires larger plot sizes, the spine can be split in order to accomodate a large central area.

Connections can also be formed between to ensure two-way flows in line with urban grain of existing context.

URBAN GRAIN INTEGRATION (Stitching across the border) -

-

These studies explore organisational responses to contrasting functions, grain and rhythyms across the border line - exemplifying the Amexican city as both a new set of architectural conditions and also an economic entity based thoroughly in its relationship with its context.

Various land and urban conditions; airports, agriculture, industrial areas, suburbia, river basins, border crossings - all meet the border in different ways, some passing through, others resting against.

RIVER BASIN / LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL / INDUSTRIAL / BORDER CROSSING

AGRICULTURE / SUBURBIA / INDUSTRIAL / CANAL

AIRPORT / INDUSTRIAL / BORDER CROSSING

40

VERTEBRAE TO LADDER TRANSITION

10m15s

INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES The linear nature of the city prescribes a new approach to the organisation of its infrastructure, mostly condensed within a centralised spine that is able to adapt based on its requirements and servicing density. Confined to a 10m zone to maximise efficiency and developable area, the spine features high-efficiency staggered train departures and segregated walkway circulation.

REGIONAL TRAIN (65 STOPS TOTAL)

METRO TRAIN (30 STOPS / REGIONAL STOP)

23m08s 10m MAX. WALKING DISTANCE

10m BORDER VISTA ZONE (IBWC CONTROLLED)

TRANSPORT STRATEGY (organising transport along the line) In order to make an efficient transport strategy, based within maximum comfortable walking and commuting distances - a series of studies explore an efficient transport layout, built using both regional and metropolitan range train services. While regional services are able to stop every 34km, metro trains would stop at lesser intervals.

STAGGERED PLATFORM DEPARTURES

7:20

3:25

SAN DIEGO / TIJUANA

OPTIMISED TRANSPORT LINKS (crossing America in 7 hours) Based on maximum wait conditions, the linear public transport is optimised at a rate of 1 regional stop per 15 metro stops, allowing for a comfortable commute time of 30 mins from any regional station and a balamced coast to coast travel time of 7 Hours and 20 minutes.

3:55 BROWNSVILLE / MATAMOROS

45

REGIONAL TRAIN SPACING 40

M aximum M etro Commute (mins)

EL PASO / JUAREZ

35

15 STOPS 48km Metro Areas

OPTIMUM COMMUTE TIME (30-35mins) 30

STOPS

SPACING (km)

AV. SPEED (km/h)

MAX. COMMUTE (mins)

5

16

165

17.9

6

19

184

19.5

7

22

201

21.1

8

26

215

22.7

9

29

228

24.3

10

32

239

25.8

11

36

249

27.4

12

38

258

29.1

13

42

266

30.6

14

45

274

32.2

15

48

281

33.7

16

51

287

35.3

17

54

293

36.9

18

58

298

38.5

19

61

303

40.1

20

64

307

41.6

25

20

AV. SPEED

281km/h 15 150

170

190

210

230

250

270

290

310

330

Av . S peed of R egional R ail (km/h)

UPPER LEVEL: REGIONAL LONG DISTANCE MAGLEV TRAINS

INFRASTRUCTURAL SPINE (A multifunctional skeleton frame for the city) Performing a series of functions; security checkpoint, transport infrastructure system, central street, freight line, and centralised services vessel - the design of the spine is focused on its ability to stack and expand/contract - based on density needs along any particular part of the city. Quiet Maglev rails are exposed to give rhythym to the street below.

MIDDLE LEVEL: METRO MAGLEV TRAINS

CYCLE HIGHWAY ‘BOULEVARD’ CENTRAL WALKWAY

FREIGHT DROP-OFF SLIPWAY SECURITY ACCESS POINT

SERVICE CORRIDOR

LOCAL SERVICE CAVITIES SERVICE SPACES LOCATED ADJACENT TO SPINE

CENTRAL SERVICE CAVITIES: AIR AND ELECTRICAL

CENTRAL SERVICE CAVITIES: WATER, WASTE

HIGH VOLUME WATER CHANNEL / STORM DRAINAGE

41

TYPICAL CITY BLOCK DEVELOPMENT From these initial sketch studies and the previous considerations of urban form, a proposal emerges for a typical, semi-suburban mixed use segment of the city, featuring mixed-use plots of residential, retail, office and service spaces. These sketches explore the genesis of the typical city block through the forms of channels, both positive and negative - extruded and carved.

NEGATIVE CHANNELS - ‘STREETS’ (canyons carved into the city) While a car-less city - streets still form the locus of city life and circulation. By carving channels through the mass of the linear city in directions sympathetic to both internal and external context, streets emerge as centers of retail and leisure uses, each sufficiently sheltered from the harsh sunlight of the southern border.

POSITIVE CHANNELS - ‘BUILDINGS’ (linear building typologies) Working with the formal lines of the ‘street’, these building typologies emerge from the cuts in the city mass as articulated edges, mostly housing residential-type small modular units - capitalising on better views and access to the landscape plane of the upper level. The section below explores the synthesis of the ‘street’, ‘building’, and ‘landscape’.

USA

MEX

SPINE

RETAIL USA

42

MEX

100m

1. OPENING UP THE BORDER -

Replacing the liminal state of the border with a 100m thick ‘frontier zone’ in order to allow for development.

Where the border is usually secured, demolition is kept to a minimum.

2. ADDING DENSITY AND SPINE -

Density is increased according to what can be allowed by the current context.

Higher density emerges in areas of economic opportunity and higher desireability for living and working.

FOLD-UP BOWL

DIP

suburbs limited connections

OVERHANG

BREAK TAPER

manufacturing integration

3. ARTICULATING THE ‘GROUND’ PLANE -

A Ground plane is distorted and transformed according to varying conditions along the site - forming typological elements of the city.

Main high street connection

4. CARVING NEGATIVE CHANNELS -

Negative channels form circulation, streets and natural light ‘wells’ - These are carved from existing lines evident within the grain of both cities, housing both retail and leisure program. peak height towards park

Goods Depot Bus Terminal Pedestrian Access

Goods Depot

Goods Depot

5. EXTRUDING POSITIVE CHANNELS -

Positive channels emerge from the ground plane, allowing for specific typologies to be articulated such as housing, offices, civic buildings.

Pedestrian Access Car Park Access

Marketing Suite

6. CONTEXTUAL INTEGRATION -

Channels extrude and branch out into context to lay down roots and form a relationship with infrastructure and urban form. These functions and forms are defined by economic opportunities.

TYPICAL PLANNING STRATEGIES

The typical city block development emerges from a series of key planning strategies - utilising key responses taken from the site context in order to produce a densified version of its context. Logic emerges from economic choices, cutting off areas of low economic opportunity and providing permeable connections with more lucrative elements of the context.

43

A LAYERED CITY

A deeper understanding of the city can be ascertained by the levels and layers through which the dense linear city forms spatial relationships. Land values and characteristics define the access hierarchies of the city - with service levels open to low level clearance and higher levels only available to residents of the city itself. These layers of the city are in turn encompassed by a landscaped ‘terra’ plane -a sparsely inhabited roof left mostly clear of development.

‘BUILDING’ TYPOLOGIES

Primarily residential buildings occupy the upper levels of the city, capitalising on outward views towards the border landscape as well as access to the landscape plane at upper level.

ACCESS LEVEL 3 (CITIZENS)

TERRA PLANE

The upper plane acts as an articulated landscape, dictating plots and arrangements of the city as well as its gestures towards the existing context.

REGIONAL LINE METRO LINE

SPINE AND CANYONS

Channels cut into the landscape of the city are lined with retail and leisure program, creating mixed uses along routes of circulation - condensing city life into small streets rather than open landscape.

ACCESS LEVEL 2 (VISITOR VISA - WORK VISA)

UPPER CITY

The upper levels of the city are primarily used for office spaces, accessed from the main spine and nestled into the mass of the building. Lower quality residential uses also occupy the edges of the city where possible.

FREIGHT LINE

LOWER CITY

ACCESS LEVEL 1 (SERVICE WORKERS)

In the lower and subterranean levels of the city, lower rent office spaces are punctuated by sparse manufacturing and civic services usage - programmatic elements that require strong context links.

44

THE AMEXICAN NEIGHBORHOOD The typical city block responds here to the typical grain of El Paso and Juarez, tapping into economic opportunities available on both sides of the border in different ways. The original border itself is seen in all respects as a ‘cutting’ line between Mexico and the USA, whereas Amexica provides a means (albeit selective means) through which to stitch and connect these two distinct urban conditions while maintaining presence as a wall.

45

THE ARCHITECTURE OF EXCLUSIVITY Evolving from the typical typology, the financial / business district develops as an area of hyper-density, radiating outwards from the point of the border crossing as the focus of economic activity passing through the city. The city in this form becomes much more fortified and defensive, designed to contain the spoils of its financial success.

Various tall building typologies evolve as responses to this; leaning out to capitalise on low cost air rights or blocking off surrounding context as extended slab blocks.

THE PORT CITY (controlling the physical border and its economic potential) The importance of the border and customs point is recognisable through the city’s architectural response to this point in which the original borders reconverge. The mass of the city stops abruptly and allows for processing of goods and traffic. Services and infrastructure continue to run through the void.

TOWER TYPOLOGIES (Manipulating tower forms to define spatial relationships between three nations) Typical section through CBD. Leaning towers allow sunlight into central parkspaces from the Mexican side to the south - capitalising on cheap air rights while slab blocks contain and enclose the financial stronghold from the US side.

MEX

USA

MEX

RETAIL INTERFACE

SERVICE INTERFACE

MEX USA

46

Commuter Train Station

Commuter Train Station

1. URBAN GRAIN -

The Linear city meets border crossing points as the grid-like grain of the existing city meets the linear grain of Amexica. Strong links to highways merit higher urban density here.

2. TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE -

Metro-regional maglev rail (blue) and localised taxiways (teal) allow for efficient transport links through the city. Transport infrastructure continues through the void of the border crossing.

3. PUBLIC PARK SPACE -

Stations are framed by public parks clearing the central part of the city from development and increasing land values. These parks form a basis for tower massing due to sunlight constraints.

4. NEGATIVE CHANNELS + URBAN INTEGRATION Existing urban lines form the basis for connecting with new development, allowing plots to be formed within the 100m block of the city.

Increasing height / value toward border point

Parasitic financial development on USA side

Incline cantilevers allow for park sunlighting

5. EXTRUDING TOWER TYPOLOGIES High land values and site constraints cause towers to rise as a diagrammatic reflection of how much the land is worth. Taller towers punctuate the border crossing where taxes are collected.

6.TOWER ARTICULATION -

Massing is manipulated and shaped to respond to public space sunlight requirements, purchasing of air rights from neighboring states, and key civic functions.

CBD PLANNING STRATEGIES

Planning strategy in an area of super-density requires a different approach to the linear, flowing layout of the typical city block. Instead, towers are clustered to form plazas and park spaces within the negatives, creating a strong urbanistic impression within the arteries of the city. Large, controlled parks are proposed in order to provide public space and maintain a clear area in the district center.

47

FINANCIAL ‘FORTIFICATION’ The CDB develops as a literal diagram of financial land values, focussed around the central border checkpoint as the scheme feeds from NAFTA trade. The grain and character of the city are vastly different in comparison to the typical layout - tall towers define public plazas of a much more intimate nature while buildings are oriented around the main parks and less towards neighboring context.

LOCAL TAXIWAY

TOWER TYPOLOGIES

A variety of towers form out of the continuous planes of the city, fragmenting its linear nature and creating pockets of public space between. Exclusively office zoning, these clusters provide the financial heart of the city.

REGIONAL LINE

ACCESS LEVEL 3 (CITIZENS)

METRO LINE

SPINE AND CANYONS

With far less landscaped plane than the typical model of the city, two large public parks are embedded into the system of streets and spines, allowing for a much more curated and controllable form of public space.

ACCESS LEVEL 2 (VISITOR VISA - WORK VISA)

UPPER CITY

The upper city at higher densities forms the lower value offices, particularly those integrated with US or Mexican economies due to the frontage available at lower, more intimate levels.

LOWER CITY

The lower city is comprised by lowvalue office space as well as some key services, mainly clustered around the border crossing. These include customs checkpoints and processing facilities for border security.

ACCESS LEVEL 1 (SERVICE WORKERS)

FREIGHT LINE

48

49

CHAMIZAL CENTRAL PARK

MIDWAY CITY MASTERPLAN

D INDU

Midway City, occupying the borderlands between El Paso, TX and Cuidad Juarez, provides the locus of the Amexican development. Not only is the existing urban area one of the densest along the border, but it also occupies the precise halfway point between coasts - acting as an ideal starting point for the scheme. Responding to various existing urban functions, the scheme parasitically develops extreme versions of these city ingredients; from interlocking olympic sports facilities within existing parks to a linear airport.

US

A

X PIC

YM

OL

ME

CHAMIZAL SPORTS PARK

RK

PA

MID

W

AY

AIR

PO

RT

CHAMIZAL PARK

UNIVERSIDAD JUAREZ

PARQUE CHAMIZAL

PARQUE FEDERAL CHAMIZAL

PARQ

GUILLEN PARK

DOWNTOWN EL PASO COMPLEJO DEPORTIVO UACJ HART PARK

(An elevated sports stadium acts as a symbol of bi-national culture) -

T

KE

T

A

AR M

MIDWAY CITY BUSINESS DISTRICT (High density office development around a border crossing)

X

M

ID

W

AY

US

ME

TRIC

S DIS

INES

BUS

THE ‘AMEX’ STADIUM

-

-

Porous border systems allow for Mexican, American and Amexican citizens to circulate and utilise the spaces within the stadium, featuring complex use of walls and barriers to dictate flows and activity within.

- An elevated concourse maximises space usage while different spectator experiences are offered on each side of the border.

As the point of highest financial opportunity, the border crossing provides the lifeblood for Amexica’s financial success - as taxation and customs regulation capitalise on the flows of goods and trade between countries.

Super density and land value causes the typical structure of the city to extremify and distort as the city goes vertical.

PARQUE BENITO JUAREZ USA

USA

JAUREZ CENTRO

50

MEX

MEX

M

U.S.A.

ELLA PARK USTRIAL AREA

MIDWAY CITY MARINA

-

Dams extend from the city structure to form reservoirs and contribute to water management and flooding strategies.

Where reservoirs build up, the opportunity arises for exclusive leisure environments such as boating lakes, swimming and artificial beaches.

These ‘natural’ features are framed by residential penthouses, bars and an underground shopping mall.

-

BUENA VISTA SUBURBS

MIDWAY CITY - TYPICAL MIXED-USE SECTION (Medium-density housing perforated by office and retail) -

Responding to semi-suburban environments in El Paso and Juarez, the typical, medium-density city block mimics the structure of the urban ‘neighbourhood’.

Channel-like streets are carved into the city form, providing retail and leisure functions in a condensed, car-free environment that follows the linear grain of the city itself.

-

Airport Civic Services Nightlife Dining Residential Leisure Car Parking Delivery Depot Groceries Offices Gambling

MEX

USA

N

MEX

USA

MODESTO GOMEZ PARK US

Public Park New USA Border New MEX Border Central Spine Existing Park Existing Leisure Existing Institutional

(Leisure center formed around the faux-natural feel of a rocky cove)

A

ME

X

QUE EXTREMO TRUMP INTERNATIONAL GOLF COURSE

USA

MARINA DIST

RICT

ME X

VISTA DEL NORTE INDUSTRIAL AREA

MEXICO

ASCARATE RESERVOIR

‘AMEXICA HEIGHTS’ NEIGHBOURHOOD (An exclusive, secluded neighbourhood of luxury housing and retail) -

-

AM

EX

ICA

HE

IGH

TS

Proximity to a nearby golf course prompts the development of a high-end pocket within the linear city, featuring low density housing, a retail ‘canyon’ and accompanying service programme.

A naturally inspired valley form allows for the exclusive neighbourhood to seperate from its immediate context - revealing only the distant skyline and mountain backdrop.

MEX

USA

PARTITO DOBLADO SUBURBS

51

52

53

INSTANCE STUDIES EXPLORING THE AMEXICAN CONDITION

SECTION D

54

Low density settlement

Existing golf club MEX

USA

N

1. UNIQUE CONTEXT CONDITIONS -

Proximity to an upscale El Paso golf course as well as close highway infrastructure access from the Mexican road system creates fertile conditions for high end, serviceable development.

2. A ‘POCKET’ OF LUXURY -

The linear grain of the city opens to form a large pocket of high-end residential development, based around individual housing typologies rather than apartment blocks.

Advertising space

Station Spa/gym

Delivery depot

Laundry plant

3. ELEVATING ABOVE THE CITY -

Servicing required for high-end luxury living increases required height beneath the scheme, pushing up the landscape plane. This has the added benefit of creating prestige.

Sports facilities

4. SUPPORTING PROGRAM -

Mountain backdrop visible

A variety of programmatic elements are housed beneath the elevated plane such as laundry plant, delivery depots, transport infrastructure, recreational facilities and service staff accomodation

Existing context excluded from view

Residential plots

Central retail

5. THE INSULAR ‘BOWL’ -

By tilting the edges of the landscape plane to create a bowl, the neighbourhood takes on a much more insular feel and character, excluding any views and interferences from immediate context and highlighting the mountain backdrop.

6. THE ‘RAVINE’ -

GENESIS : AMEXICA HEIGHTS The nature of Amexica Heights as a development of insular, luxurious qualities is facilitated by its distinctive bowl shape and artificial ‘ravine’ of retail and leisure opportunities ingrained within its architectural character. These diagrams explain the process through which this unique enclave appears from within the grain of the linear city.

A central artificial ‘ravine’ forms the central focus of the scheme, creating a high-street style retail and leisure environment catering to upmarket needs of the residents.

55

AMEXICA HEIGHTS As the density of the ‘downtown’ area tapers off, developers look for new ways to capitalise on the lifestyle appeal of Amexica in a more suburban context. ‘Amexica Heights’ is one such development, fully exclusive and gated to the extreme - the low density residential neighbourhood is formed within an artificial bowl shape, excluding immediate ‘undesireable’ context just enough to frame the mountainous desert backdrop and maintain sunlight. A landscaped ravine runs through the central ‘high-street’ lined by retail outlets while services such as laundry. transport and parking are pushed beneath.

MEX

N

56

USA RESI

PROGRAM DIAGRAM

DELIVERIES

SPA

MEX

HIGH STREET

SPINE

LAUNDRY

PLANT

While the upper plane remains exclusively accessed by residents, service levels below cater for low level access from service staff while remaining secure from upper levels.

USA Citizens Only MEX Citizens Only Access Level 1 Access Level 2 Access Level 3

RESI

RESI

SPORTS FACILITIES

PARKING

USA

WALL DIAGRAM Borders are manipulated to allow Mexican access to the southern service areas while USA access is immediately available for the car park to avoid border security protocol.

MEX

USA

57

58

Damming of reservoir on the US side.

USA Shifting spine

USA MEX

1. CREATING A RESERVOIR -

USA

As the borderlands contains a large amount of the Rio Grande, many of the water control rights are naturally ceded to Amexica. A dam is thus formed as a way of controlling and storing this valuable resource.

N

Maximising waterfront development

2. MAXIMISING WATERFRONT -

The reservoir is seen as a desireable opportunity for further development, the spine therefore moves and shifts towards the Mexican side in order to maximise developable area adjacent.

‘Beach’ zone

$ Luxury ‘bridge’ development

Primary jetty system

Waterside bars

3. CREATING THE MARINA -

A Marina forms the main program around the waterfront, featuring a promenade with artificial beaches, jetties, restaurants and bars. These developments open up within.

Entry arch

4. ENCLOSING THE ‘COVE’ -

Leisure facilities

In order to seal off the Marina from the US and maximise high end development returns, a ‘bridge’ of luxury penthouse development completes the enclosure, creating a ‘cove’ atmosphere.

Mid range residential

Drop-off Evening sun Loading bays

Gangway

5. INCREASING DENSITY -

The rear side adjacent to the spine is able to increase in density as land values increase and sunlight paths allow for adequate daylighting within the cove.

6. SERVICING LUXURY -

GENESIS : MIDWAY MARINA Much like the previous study, the Marina forms as an enclave of luxury based on emulating the natural features of a rocky cove, utilising sinuous floorplates and nestled retail and leisure opportunities within the mass of the Marina. Acting as both a water security / storage facility and a unique leisure opportunity, the Marina is an example of the complex relationships between political and economic entities along the borderlands region itself.

On the thinner side of the Marina, an AMAZON.AMX service depot provides a delivery service for the linear city via the freight rail line and private couriers within the city.

59

60 USA

N

MEX

USA Citizens Only MEX Citizens Only Access Level 1 Access Level 2 Access Level 3

LEISURE

PENTHOUSE

RESI

PROGRAM DIAGRAM MARINA RETAIL

USA

SPINE

Density to the east to capitalise on evening sun inside the marina, retail and depot functions pushed to lower levels. Spine is pushed east to maximise marina area.

OFFICE DEPOT FREIGHT

MEX

WALL DIAGRAM Thick service walls divide the exclusively-accessed marina from the depot functions and lower-tier residential buildings.

Access to spine from depot occurs at lower levels.

USA

MEX

61

62

USA public park

MEX public park

Cut stands along lowest value seating

USA

1. CONTEXT : TWO PARKS -

MEX

N

In the Chamizal Park area, two seperated parks meet at the border line, divided in use and function. This presents an opportunity to introduce collaborative program in sync.

2. BI-NATIONAL PROGRAM -

A bi-national sports stadium is proposed between the two parks, providing a means of conflict and interaction that joins both nations, while keeping a separation between.

Elevated pitch

USA central dining

USA retail capsules

High land value = higher development

West-side seats most valuable = peak MEX retail capsules MEX central dining

3. SUNKEN CONCOURSE / RAISED PITCH -

An elevated sports pitch allows the concourse to occupy the large void beneath on a tight site, housing shared food kitchens, merch and services.

Low land values = cheap air rights and oversailing

4. DISTORTING THE STADIUM -

The seating stalls of the stadium are distorted to reflect differing cultural and economic values - steeper seating with VIP booths on the USA side and shallower, more communal ‘bowl’ of seating on the Mexican side.

Restaurant Elevated pool Vip boxes

Spa

Retail Promenade

Fritted panels on VIP suites contain Mexican branding Seating overlap refreshments

5. ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS -

The ‘event’ of the game is seen as a catalyst for further programme to be introduced, such as a retail promenade between stands and luxury pools and bars inserted at upper levels.

Jumbotron displays ads targeted at US audiences

6. ADVERTISING SPACE -

GENESIS : THE ‘AMEX’ STADIUM -The stadium’s distinctive shape is formed as a literal diagram of cultural and economic values - the US side, comprised mostly of varied degrees of VIP suites and covered seating, faces directly towards a giant jumbotron displaying game highlights and advertising. The Mexican side, however, is comprised of a large, uncovered bowl of dense, shallow seating, lined with bars and taco stands, oversailing into Mexico’s airspace.

The high volume of open space calls for a unique, bi-lingual advertising strategy, with spanish language adverts displayed on the US side and vice versa, the nature of advertising also varies between cultures.

63

USA

USA Citizens Only MEX Citizens Only Access Level 1 Access Level 2 Access Level 3

V IP S TA LLS

PROGRAM DIAGRAM B.O.H.

PITCH USA CONCOURSE

USA

64

PLANT

SPINE

B.O.H. MEX CONCOURSE PLANT

MEX

Density to the east to capitalise on evening sun inside the marina, retail and depot functions pushed to lower levels. Spine is pushed east to maximise marina area.

THE ‘AMEX’ STADIUM Situated adjacent to large public parks on either side of the border, the (bi-)national AMEX Stadium aims to unite and collide cultures from both sides. As part of the Olympic bid for Amexica to kick start its role as a center of unique culture, the is a unique investment opportunity and kickstarter for Amexican development in general. Featuring a raised sports pitch along with shared services such as kitchens and toilets, mainting border seperation between all 3 nations.

N MEX WALL DIAGRAM Thick service walls divide the exclusively-accessed marina from the depot functions and lower-tier residential buildings.

Access to spine from depot occurs at lower levels.

USA

MEX

65

ELEVATION STUDY : SONORA SANDS RESORT The Sonora Desert, a hotspot for illegal Mexican and central American immigration into the US, provides an interesting case study for how the ‘wall’ behaves in a completely uninhabited context. The natural beauty and appeal of the desert is capitalised on as a retreat from the urban areas of Amexica - South-facing suites are lined by a strip of leisure, flowing through the desert landscape. The architectural response thus aims to elongate and stretch out the various programs along the strip, giving an impression of constant directionality.

PROGRAM + DIVISION

66

SEC

CTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

67

ELEVATION STUDY : STRIP MALL SUITES

The suburban staple, the American ‘strip mall’, plays a large part of cultural and economic American ideals - and thus a means by which to integrate the new city within the existing practices and forms of the USA. A small, concentrated pocket of retail opens up freely to the American territory, requiring little clearance for entry but with no further access to the city, while motel and residential suites open up along the inhabited edge, exploring the voyeuristic and hedonistic impulses of Amexica’s wealthy citizens PROGRAM + DIVISION

68

SEC

CTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

69

All work produced by Unit 14 Unit book design by Maggie Lan www.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/architecture Copyright 2018 The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmited in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retreival system without permission in writing from the publisher.

70

UNIT @unit14_ucl

71

P I O N E E R I N G S E N T I M E N T

2018

At the centre of Unit 14’s academic exploration lies Buckminster Fuller’s ideal of the ‘The Comprehensive Designer’, a master-builder that follows Renaissance principles and a holistic approach. Fuller referred to this ideal of the designer as somebody who is capable of comprehending the ‘integrateable significance’ of specialised findings and is able to realise and coordinate the commonwealth potentials of these discoveries while not disappearing into a career of expertise.

Like Fuller, we are opportunists in search of new ideas and their benefits via architectural synthesis.

As such Unit 14 is a test bed for exploration and innovation, examining the role of the architect in an environment of continuous change. We are in search of the new, leveraging technologies, workflows and modes of production seen in disciplines outside our own. We test ideas systematically by means of digital as well as physical drawings, models and prototypes. Our work evolves around technological speculation with a research-driven core, generating momentum through astute synthesis.

Our propositions are ultimately made through the design of buildings and through the in-depth consideration of structural formation and tectonic constituents. This, coupled with a strong research ethos, generates new and unprecedented, viable and spectacular proposals. They are beautiful because of their intelligence - extraordinary findings and the artful integration of those into architecture.

This year’s UNIT 14 focus shifts onto examining moments of pioneering sentiment. We find out about how human endeavor, deep desire and visionary thought interrelate and advance cultural as well as technological means while driving civilisation as highly developed organisation. Supported by competent research we search for the depicted pioneering sentiment and amplify found nuclei into imaginative tales with architectural visions fuelled by speculation.

The underlying principle and observation of our investigations is that futurist speculation inspires and ultimately brings about significant change. A prominent thinker is the Californian Syd Mead who envisages and has scripted a holistic vision of the future with his designs and paintings.

As universal as our commitment and thoughts is our testbed and territory for our investigations and proposals. Possible sites are as such global or specific to our visits, as much as the individual investigations suggest and opportunities arrive. Unit 14 is supported by a working relationship with innovators across design. We engage specialists, but remain generalists, synthesising knowledge towards novel ways of thinking, making and communicating architecture.

UNIT 14 @unit14_ucl

All work produced by Unit 14 Unit book design by Maggie Lan www.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/architecture Copyright 2018 The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmited in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retreival system without permission in writing from the publisher.