Border interiority
31.152768,-105.722995
Location: border of USA and Mexico near Ciudad Juarez
The thin line that separates USA from Mexico in a map is far more complex and dynamic than a simple line as it has overlapping of various composites of all cultural, religious, economical and juridical layers. These multiple layers go from a fence to a checkpoint reaching to a wall giving the in-between space a particular depth filled with motion and aesthetics. It’s a space that has its own dynamics, rules and spatial conditions that are rich and complex. The project is conceived from a Google map image, which shows a distorted image through algorithmic unexpected behavior of technology that occur during the processing of the collected data from the satellite images. So, the software version of the world is not necessarily what’s actually there- it is a distorted reality. Through the distorted images and behaviors of computer outputs, the viewer is thrown into a more risky realm of image and nonimage, meaning and non-meaning, truth and interpretation. I use the system failure with the blurred landscape and treat it as if it is a real.
The project proposes the creation of an enclaved space in-between the borders by using the algorithmic errors given from Google Maps imagery, as a real site. It does so by constructing a fictional landscape that emerges from a complex border interiority. The proposed project aims to challenge the notion of borders and the way they are perceived in contemporary society. It takes advantage of the errors that often occur in Google Maps imagery, and uses these errors as a starting point to create a unique and enclaved space that exists between borders.
This space, which is purely fictional and exists only in the virtual realm, is constructed using a combination of digital technologies and artistic practices. The result is a landscape that is both familiar and alien, a space that is both recognizable and yet completely detached from reality.
The distorted and blurred images on Google Maps are not just a technical glitch, but a reflection of the complex political realities that exist in many parts of the world. These errors often occur in regions where there are conflicts over territory, natural resources, or cultural heritage.
The intentional blurring of these sites serves as a way for governments to obscure their activities and maintain control over sensitive areas. It also serves as a reminder of the power dynamics that exist within the global mapping industry, where certain voices and perspectives are privileged over others. The fact that there are only 25 sites in the world that are intentionally blurred or distorted highlights the extent to which mapping technologies have been used as tools of power and control.
The constitution consists of a series of rules which the project follows. The project generates an enclaved space that responds to both the US and the Mexican border situation. It does so mainly by four strategies; the creation of an artificial oasis, the worship of Santa Muerte, “the parallel corridors” and the creation of galleries for the accumulation of objects.
Spaces are constructed by objects containing microcosms that are related with the collective. These objects can differ from each other as they may come from different places of the world and each with a different time of fabrication with a different use. They are different from each other yet they contribute to the overall construction of the space. A piece of art on the wall is not just a decorative item, but it rather creates a microcosm of beauty, creativity, and history. These microcosms within objects contribute to the overall atmosphere and feeling of the space. They influence how people interact with and perceive the space, as well as how people feel when they are in it. The collective experience of a space is shaped by the interaction between the microcosms of the various objects within it.
The oasis is a central space that serves as a zone for gathering for people who want to come together. This space is adorned with a variety of natural and artificial desert plants that make it an exquisite sight to behold. The plants in the central space provide an excellent representation of the region's natural beauty, and visitors can learn about the unique adaptations that these plants have developed to survive in the harsh desert climate. They also serve as shelter and heat control as they provide shade conditions for the visitors. Aside from the natural plants, there are also artificial desert plants that have been incorporated into the central space's design. These artificial plants were created to blend seamlessly with the natural plants and add a touch of aesthetic beauty to the oasis. The use of artificial plants also ensures that the central space remains vibrant and green all year round, regardless of the season or weather conditions. The central space's primary purpose is to serve as a meeting place for people from both sides of the borders. It is a space that brings together individuals from different cultures, languages, and backgrounds that come together to participate in various outdoor events, and other social gatherings. This space promotes cultural exchange and fostering social cohesion between the United States and Mexico.
Corridors have parallel relationship to the oasis as some are hidden and some are visible. They serve as pathways that connect various areas while offering a unique visual experience. Corridors are not only important for their functional role in connecting different areas of the oasis but also for the symbolism they carry within the context of the surrounding landscape. Just like it happens in reality "the cartels" have these secretive corridors to transport drugs through tunnels and as soon as they get discovered then they dig new tunnels. The constant metamorphosis and change within the region have resulted in a complex network of underground passages, some of which remain hidden and inaccessible to most people. So while some corridors are visible providing visitors with a clear path to navigate the space, others are hidden offering a sense of mystery and intrigue, enticing visitors to explore and discover what lies beyond.
As part of the design program, the oasis features areas dedicated to the worship and reflection of "Santa Muerte," providing visitors with a secluded and peaceful environment for contemplation. Each capsule within the Santa Muerte celebration area features a central female figure, creating a focal point for prayer and meditation. The circular movement around the figure of Santa Muerte mirrors the traditional pilgrimage observed in Mecca, and fosters a sense of unity and connection among those gathered in the celebration areas.
This feature of circular movement offers a profound opportunity for growth and discovery, reinforcing the oasis's dedication to providing a holistic and transformative experience for its visitors. The Santa Muerte celebration areas provide a balance between spiritual and natural elements, inviting visitors to find peace and serenity. Ultimately, these areas serve as a testament to the oasis's commitment to promoting cultural diversity and spiritual exploration, while reminding us of our universal desire for connection and meaning.
Therefore, the project emerges from the constructed fictional landscape extracted from the Google map images error and is an extension of its surrounding, connected by hidden and visible tunnels, and also connecting the natural oasis formation as well as the artificial Topography.
The proposal is a continuation of the landscape and is hidden within it . This landscape is accumulative, dense and repetitive, as it gets its spatial qualities from the altar of Santa Muerte.
Two gates can be found to enter: one from Mexico and one from the USA.
The project is formed in three different scales. The first is the macro scale which is the border itself and it is conceived from above and underground the border with hidden entrances that are associated with the parallel state of Mexican cartels. Also the existing river bed and the desert and the mountains form part of the proposal and influence in architectural decisions such as the creation of an artificial oasis.
The border zone is a deserted area known for having a harsh climate leading to an important architectural decision, which is hiding the proposal. Local Plants such as, Organ Pipe Cactus, Desert Willow Tree, Barrel Cactus, Palm Tree, Desert lily just to name a few are the local species that will also form part of the proposal.
The second scale is related with specific parts of the program, in this case the oasis which contains both natural species within artificialized elements which form groups that agglomerate in such a way that they could be repeated. This particular condition leads the oasis to be expansive, as it can grow and therefore it is not a static part of the project. It expands both in x and y axis.
These geometric elements have the particularity of responding to the local harsh climate as they create shade and water conditions that serve as a response to the local weather with high temperature and humidity. Important operations such as agglomeration and addition of different spatial elements give form to the oasis.
Geometrical operations of extrusions both in X and Y axis, rotation, repetition, as well as agglomeration take place as a reflection of Santa Muerte and how objects are placed in an altar. This provokes the creation of an interiority that later transmits its language to the whole proposal.
The central space of the proposal, the Oasis has spatial qualities that are related to the climate; these spatial qualities are also a reflection of the complexity of Santa Muerte as it is dense, complex but it also has the expansive quality that is associated with Santa Muerte.
Santa Muerte is a local cult “Holy Death “practiced by Mexicans, it is a celebration of life that deals with accumulation of certain cheap every-day objects such as candles, food, cigars, flowers, plants and pictures of their passed away relatives. These objects are placed surrounding a main female skeleton figure that is placed in a higher level than the things that form the composition of the altar. Its composition is totally random, as it depends on each situation and ritual that is being performed.
The Plan above shows a sequence of movement of the gathering around a Santa Muerte’s altar. Which, as mentioned before takes place by surrounding the main figure of Santa Muerte.
My interest in Santa Muerte lies within the concept that it is an xray of concrete aspects of Mexican society that are related with cartels, drug trafficking, gatherings and all the illegal parallel state that relates its aesthetics and the way of understanding religion.
The object galleries consist of thick walls which create a deep interior space with niches along their surface.
In the gallery Santa Muerte is placed in the center of it creating in this way a circulation space around her.
The Third scale of the project are the objects present in the exposition galleries. The designed objects are carved in the galleries walls and form part of the permanent exposition.
Object representing Santa Muerte that is also carved in the galleries walls.
Geometrical object that is placed in the galleries as well
Two types of corridors exist in the proposal; one which is parallel to the central space of the oasis and another one that is merged to the landscape creating a hidden passage.
These corridors run along the entire proposal linking the two borders.
The proposal offers a generation of an enclaved space that responds to both the unexpected behavior of technology and the actual complexity of the border conditions. The enclaved space is used for worship and devotion It is an invitation to exhibition spaces with galleries that contain objects related to Microcosms associated with the collective.