In collaboration with the Mamertine Corporation of the United States, Mexican firm Estudio 3.14 launched a project called 'Prison-Wall' to explore the idea of building a wall across the US-Mexico border, as proposed by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. But rather than envisioning the controversial proposal as a means of keeping Mexican immigrants out of the United States, this concept reimagines the wall as a celebration of Mexico's architectural heritage—and at the same time, "allow the public to imagine the policy proposal in all of its gorgeous perversity."
Inspired by the designs of Pritzker Prize-winning Mexican architect Luis Barragán, Prison-Wall is imagined as a long-spanning structure that's painted pink.
In response to the upcoming upcoming US presidential election, many designers are creating politically inspired projects to express their concerns about a variety of issues around the world and close to home.
Architectural Barrier Walls
'Prison-Wal' Turns a Controversial Idea into a Celebration of Mexico
Trend Themes
1. Architectural Activism - Trend of architects creating designs to express political beliefs and raise social awareness and justice
2. Bold Aesthetic Statements - Trend of using provocative, daring design to make powerful social commentary and impact
3. Reinterpretation of Controversial Ideas - Trend of exploring polarizing concepts like the 'border wall', while presenting them in a fresh, positive light
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - The Architectural industry provides an excellent opportunity for buildings to become a powerful medium for political and social commentary
2. Art - The Art industry is increasingly adopting new approaches to explore and communicate pressing global issues, often combining provocative, controversial concepts with beautiful aesthetic expressions
3. Politics - Political campaigns and agendas offer important platforms for designers and creatives to engage with pressing political and social issues and expand debates that can inspire new innovations and impact