A Claim to Access
Team
Name: Dallin Reese
Nationality: American
Institution / Company: Oklahoma State University
Name: Avery Slavin
Nationality: American
Institution / Company: Oklahoma State University
Name: Erin Yen
Nationality: American
Institution / Company: Oklahoma State University
-FINALIST of FUTURE PUBLIC SPACE Competition
Governmental buildings are intimidating and severe, when they are for the people. This National Mall installation, addresses several primary elements of civic architecture: the single monumental edifice, which we countered with up-scaled elements of our own; the strict and formal geometry, which we diluted with common, playful, and vaguely absurd forms; and the high-end materiality, which we contrasted with mundane materials and a childlike color palette. The imagery of the bathroom and the upscaled bath toys evokes a certain vulnerability beyond simple absurdity. It is something which everyone can relate to – it recalls a universal domestic condition that is the antithesis of the formal, monumental location. No one needs an advanced degree, rich and powerful friends, or a position in the Federal Government to understand this space. Further countering the typical National Mall Experience were one remains strictly on a paths, the installation invites active interaction. The large-scale bathroom motifs scattered around the lawn lead users to the central focus; bubble machines along the perimeter allow participants to contribute to the atmosphere; the large duck provides a viewing platform that is alluring in its whimsy. The space is not meant to take itself seriously. It is for anyone and everyone.
#Governmental buildings #Sense of belonging #Access to services #Inclusive #keyword
