This project serves as a support structure for connectivity as a reaction against the spectacle of the sixth continent. Defined by Paul Virgilio, the sixth continent is the virtual, metaphysical world we all inhabit in some way or another in the 21st century and I believe that architecture can - and should - offer a different point of view and foster a relationship which contrasts that of our screens, online presence and virtual sphere.

We’ve long since become accustomed to the idea of architecture as a representation of - or catalyst for - the relationship between spectator and spectacle. Through technology, we are always spectating or being the spectacle - viewed or viewing. The built environment must offer more. It must offer face to face interaction and real connection. The idea of a labyrinth in fundamentally about finding and creating a network - not unlike the act of navigating a city. The secret routes we have naturally formed during this confinement period and the voyeuristic experience of apartment living served as the basis for an idea: a network at the level of living. Most Parisians live above the ground level, often up to five or six levels above ground and can see across the street to their “neighbors” but never physically access them. What if we could bridge that gap to create community at the level of inhabitants? This concept is a physical manifestation of the connections we form in real life.

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Details

Building or project owner : Delaney Inamine

Architecture : Delaney Inamine

Project artist/ concept/ design/ planning : Delaney Inamine

Structural engineering : Delaney Inamine

Descriptions

Facade type and geometry (structure) : This project proposes an infrastructure that climbs up the height of the Haussmannian facades - allowing for inhabitants and the public to build upon the scaffolding to create networks, social spaces and extensions of their public and private lives. The project develops and shifts over time according to the needs of the inhabitants and the community at large. The North and South facades would be developed differently according to the level of sunlight. The North Facade would use more transparent materials and would leave space between the windows and the platforms to allow for sunlight whereas the South facing facade - which receives more direct light - wouldn’t require this.

Urban situation : The proposal requires the restructuring of real estate practice in Paris. Property laws would shift to allow for the purchase of air space, rather than just square footage on the ground. Air space would be parceled out to allow for development on top of and between buildings. The project also has a major effect on the street - allowing for additional dining, commercial and circulation space. The level of community is brought up to the levels we live on.

Description of showreel : This pandemic will end. We will adapt the way we communicate, connect and circulate once again. But, the need for a solidified new network of connection will still be necessary. We must rethink our use of the ground - shouldn’t we allow retail, dining and public activities to take over our the street level? What if we created a new network of social traffic above the street level - connecting friends, families and activities. This physical, very tactile connection combats the virtual space we find ourselves in today. Can we formalize the informal social networks we create?

Participatory architecture & urban interaction

Issues addressed : The infrastructure allows for different patterns of development based on many factors: The needs of inhabitants The need for community space, similar to parks The need for shade or light The need for an extension of an apartment The need for commercial or dining space etc. The process of building and deciding what is important to the community is as important as the end result. The nature of this project is ever-changing to fit the needs of the ever-changing inhabitants between the buildings.

Mediacredits

Delaney Inamine

Delaney Inamine

Delaney Inamine

Delaney Inamine

Delaney Inamine

Delaney Inamine

Delaney Inamine

Delaney Inamine