Wind Pavilion

Milwaukee is known for being a windy city.  Perhaps not as well known, it is one of the most racially segregated cities in the United States.  Neighborhoods are well defined.  This speculative design is created with the idea of a space that would allure and expose people from different communities to one another.  By being exposed to each other, could people become less concerned about their differences, and more interested about the things they have in common?

Like many other states in the United States, Milwaukee has its share of storms and tornados.  Natural disasters are one thing that will bring people together regardless of race or social class.  During those events, we become unified to survive.  With this idea in mind, I designed an abstract form to represent the circular upward gust of wind.  It will be made of a steel truss structure for longevity and will allow the wind from the lake to pass through it uncompromised.  In the center of the work will be a circular pond water feature.  This is to provide reflection of who we are.  As we reflect, are we that much different from our neighbors?   

When mapping the greater area of Milwaukee by race, the areas are defined in a pie shaped organization from the central waterfront.  The most logical place to create a space that would be accessible to all is at that center.  In conjunction with the center structure, the entire waterfront will be reimagined, giving opportunity to implement other inclusive ideas for all citizens.