1 ALUMINUM BLINDS

[water]mark: a monument to monuments

There exists a need for choreography of multiple pieces when working on a city-wide scale, particularly when these pieces are of monumental stature. Although highly regulated & rationalized in its layout, the National Mall and its surrounding area only references itself, and does little to embrace the surrounding areas. The Potomac only seems to intensify the division between the Mall and its nearby neighbor, the Commonwealth of Virginia. With the implementation of a water taxi system, the bridge is both literally and figuratively closed. The system reduces use of the Arlington Memorial Bridge as well as quickly and efficiently connecting the East and West banks of the Potomac, wherein, more methods of light transit are available [bikes, buses, walking paths].

Gone are the notions of a land bound “landmarks”. The terminal departs the bank in a overt gesture towards the area all around it and the people who inhabit it. It establishes its datum with the opposing bank and juts outwards towards oncoming taxis. Rather than merely arriving, you are welcomed, by the gates of the lock which serve as an entry threshold, as well as system for establishing tidal balance. Upon your arrival in the lock, the taxi is raised to its appropriate height by the water of the river and that stored below in the water tower, and pulls up to the loading dock at building level. After you first step off of the boat and on to the deck, you are provided a framed partial view of the Washington Monument in the distance, constructed by the ascending ramp below that stretches & contracts throughout the length of the building. The decking that extends from the bank forms a canopy for exterior shelter and welcomes visitors into the cafe. When in the cafe, the visitor is flanked by two 1’ x 1’ windows on their right and left, each obliquely framing a snapshot of the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials. Continuing up the ramp, one now enters the information kiosk, a long wooden frame tube that provides information about the attractions around, illuminated by the light that pours in from above. Departing from the closed in portion of the terminal, the visitor is now out among the historic landscape and ready to bus, bike or walk to their chosen destination. Arriving back to the terminal, one is able to sit and watch, relax or nap on the north or south deck, as well as ascend upwards on top of the cafe to get a panoramic view of their surroundings and wait for their departing taxi.

Sylhet, Bangladesh, 2008.

Here in this little hut, I'll live forever.
I don't need a boat, I'm not going back.

I'm tired of the clamor out there.....
Now, this perpetual solitude is mine.

Captured from Sylhet, Bangladesh. I forgot the name of the place, but it was on the way from Sylhet main town to Jaflong.