flux city project #1

Chris Reed  -  dooon't stoss believin'

Inspired by the writings of Andrea Branzi concerning manipulable and ever-changing urbanism, I am proposing an agriculturally based community with a re-programmable surface. By creating channels, brackish water may be brought through and utilized as an irrigation source. This water would have to be treated and mixed with groundwater or rainwater depending on the water salinity and its nutrient content. The web of irrigation channels acts as not only of a way to farm the land, but also acts as a social device by activating public space and seeding the construction of new residential and industrial (agriculture) buildings. 

The location is on Willets Point, a floodplain in the heart of Flushing Bay in NYC. As far as I know, there aren't any residential buildings on this site - only auto repair shops and the House of Spices (mmm...Indian). One thing to note is that residential homes on floodplains will be more expensive because of the added cost of flood insurance. The highway interchange that weaves around the site acts as a buffer between the site and the rest of the city, and finding a way to better connect with surrounding neighborhoods is worth thinking about. The proximity to LaGuardia Airport creates noise and ground vibrations on site, and also places strict building height restrictions.

Critical at this early stage of the project is setting up the key questions that will guide the project and prevent distractions. What are the fluxing conditions that drive the agricultural ecology? Sun, wind, precipitation, distribution, flooding? What site factors should be taken in account, what should be set aside? Soil, the interchange, topography, LGA? The ecological demands take precedence over urban development. 

Sunshine.....Celery Stalks!