The Social Condenser (Design)

The World Fair of 1964 saw the end of innocence. Both Atomic energy and Space technology were on display. Meant to be a temporary event space, the New York state pavilion is a relic of the time. The pavilion also saw a great interest at its inception with likes of Coca Cola, IBM and Ford as investors. Designed by Philip Johnson, it now stands abandoned and is a space of introspection. Like a commodity in a consumerist world, the sheen did not last. What went wrong with what was considered to be the greatest advancement of the human kind. Objects, Commodity, Options, Consumerism, Capitalism As part of my final year work of Masters of Architecture degree, I had pondered over the idea of redeveloping the New York State Pavilion into a Social Condenser. The Social Condenser is built on the Constructivist theory of the 1920s Soviet Union that speculates the role of architecture for overcoming social hierarchies. The design incorporates collective living with personal and community spaces where artists and thinkers stay for a span of time to discuss ideas and social reforms.

Located in the corona suburb of New York state, the pavilion is a 25 minute drive from the Manhattan. The Social Condenser is in an apt site, with New York being the flag bearer of capitalism. the New York state pavilion is a part of the corona park developed for world fair 1964.

The social condenser and the observation towers have views of the meadow lake to the south; the queens zoo and the New York city to the east. the Arthur Ashe stadium and the flushing bay to the north.

Spaces in vicinity of the pavilion include- 1.skate park 2.queens theater, 3. Unisphere, 4. Queens museum 5.Queens zoo and 6. Arthur Ashe stadium for US open matches, these spaces could further be utilized as an extension to the social condenser and the condenser itself as a part of a larger campus.

The park has an existing parking space with 2 minute walking distance from the pavilion. the parking could be used and further extended towards the north east side as per requirement of the social condenser and other spaces in the park.

Form Spiraling around the existing structure

Museum of Capitalism

Library

Community Spaces for Artists in Residence

Courtyard

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