During the project’s development, the goal was to establish a connection between its content and certain aspects of our country. To accomplish this, I tried to capture the mysterious and captivating essence of the urban landscape in the city of my birth which is Harar, Ethiopia. The project’s primary inspiration stems from the atmospheric ambiance of the city.
Initially, I set out to investigate various atmospheric scenes that embodied the city’s environmental essence and developed objects suitable for urban placement. My primary objective was to utilize AI models to design a temporary installation that would frame the city’s narrow streets’ varied vistas. By incorporating different lighting elements into the environment, I enhanced the city’s mystical ambiance in the generated AI images.
The architectural object takes inspiration from monolithic stone cuts and appears as if it was spontaneously occupied through natural means of adaptation. The design aimed to create a structure with minimal design influence, resulting in a more organic appearance. The volume stands in stark contrast to conventional, rectangular architectural forms, with a distinctively natural aesthetic.
The architecture is designed to accommodate diverse activities while maintaining a neutral function. To achieve this, the programmatic composition consists of six volumes that can be adapted based on the specific needs of an activity. This flexibility is a deliberate feature, given the speculative nature of the architecture and the uncertainty of future activities in a post-apocalyptic setting.
The standout feature of the architecture is its façade, which draws inspiration from a cyborg wing. This element is a nod to the role of human technology in post-apocalyptic architectural design. The facade with triangulated mullions and panels complements the primary volume, which resembles a naturally-carved stone. Moreover, it serves to filter the light emanating from the structure, contributing to the mystical ambiance.
The defining characteristic of the architecture is its uppermost section, which features a naturally-cut stone design and evokes the feeling of a space cave. Programmatically, this area is suitable for outdoor events such as music festivals and dance performances in a natural setting. It could also serve as an elevated zoo, situated above an enclosed environment. The space is emblematic of the architecture’s neutral approach to program and function, accommodating a range of activities.
The spiral stairs are a prominent interior feature of the architecture, serving as a primary circulation element within the carved spaces. The weathered steel material finish is deliberately chosen to reflect the natural, torn setting of the architecture, with its rustic appearance. The strict geometry of the spiral stairs stands in contrast to the informal organization of the unique architecture. Nonetheless, the stairs serve as a point of emphasis within the structure’s interior.
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