Vertical - Present - Consumerism

Theoretical issue:

The present capitalist era thrives on consumerism – the measure of success is determined by material acquisition of desired commodities. This cyclic desire for the latest technology results in a gluttony of excess and an infinite accumulation of the obsolete.

Experiment:

Reinvigorate the obsolete…

Schedule:

Weeks 10-11/15

“Waste equals food, whether it's food for the earth, or for a closed industrial cycle. We manufacture products that go from cradle to grave. We want to manufacture them from cradle to cradle.” (William McDonough)

Scholarship:

‘Tall Building: Imagining the Skyscraper’ – Scott Johnson

‘Cradle to Cradle’ William McDonough

Precedent 1-2:

Ensamble Studio’s “Truffle House” – rapid construction, strawbale house & filmic presentation

‘Shipping Container buildings’ – Weekend House, Keetwonen Complex & Container City

Method of investigation:

1. Research current uses for obsolete materials

2. Develop appropriate film editing skills & software expertise

3. Use an obsolete material to construct a vertical structure in a specified timeframe, documented by film.

Modes of representation:

Creative filmic presentation of our research and the experiment.