PUNK (PROTOTYPE MUSIC VENUE)

Located in abandoned roof-top water tower Downtown Arts District, Los Angles, CA, USA (in progress - pending real estate transaction and zoning approval)

Working within the notion of ‘found objects’ within the urban landscape, the idea of habitable space within the confines of an abandoned water tower brings to mind several notions about the rituals of habitation and the narratives between architecture, context, use, and alternative atmospheres. The billboard installs within an existing urban context, yet is seen as a secluded and solitary figure in it’s occupation of discarded spaces typically unconsidered. By its own nature, the billboard is less a 'natural' setting for living, and therefore gives itself much more readily to the contemplative setting of de-familiarization. Although the billboard does not de-familiarize the spaces and events that take place within, it does, nevertheless, de-familiarize our normal behavior and call to attention our own need to abstract what might otherwise be ‘natural’ activities.

the program is a limited-use, limited-occupancy (50 max.) music venue that specifically identifies a given culture (Punk Rock) without catering to it’s stereotypes. in this way, one must deal with accurate identifications while also abstracting what would normally be construed as prototypical social and cultural characteristics. as such, the venue represents the transformation of the Punk Rock “DIY” (do it yourself) mentality to the more socially adaptive “DIT” (do it together) mentality.

structures are exposed, specifically the existing exoskeleton. sheathing is a series of reclaimed automotive and building glazing (clear or acid-etched) fastened with a custom-designed aluminum and cable clip system that is easily manufactured locally. viewing is from a series of ascending catwalks that circle the perimeter of the tower, with the stage on the bottom platform. a lobby space hangs below the primary support armatures, which will contain unisex bathrooms and congregation space. a motorized roof structure opens to the night sky, pulling the lighting system up within the space.