Vigilante Architecture

Due to codes, laziness, a general lack of public creativity and many other excuses, there just aren’t enough cool and unique moments in our everyday environment. As designers, we have all had that moment when we envisioned our ideal design on a perfect site and said, “That would be a great spot for……(insert random idea).”

America has intervened in the past with many creative moments. The buried air steams off interstate I4 in Florida, or the temporary parks created during national park day are convincing examples. Interventions such as these have contributed to the evolution of our spatial experiences, but we need many more.

This is a call for Vigilantes, for designers with the creativity and guts. This ‘Declaration of Design’ will be accomplished by adding artistic and/or architectural structures into the public environment. Not vandalism, spray paint or plaster panda bears, real creations having a physical and emotional impact on those who interact with them. At a time when budgets are being slashed for art programs and architectural projects alike, we as designers need to take action.

Contribute your concepts, renderings, and progress photographs online at: www.spacicity.com

Design constraints are intentionally general, as we too hope to be surprised:

All designs should account for public safety, not create danger or place any citizens in peril. Creation should directly relate to the theme of ‘common good’ for humanity. All creations should be well documented, showing the process of construction and final application. “The Care of Making” must evident in the craft and design of any objects that will be posted. For anonymity, names of all contributors will be kept confidential, unless otherwise requested.

Yes, these creations will require time, thought and money, therefore; found or reused objects are encouraged. While the application of these creations may be for a limited time, the interruption in peoples’ lives will be permanent.  Funding and construction assistance will be provided for the selected projects.