This thesis-level project required weeks of research to understand the political, ecological, and humanitarian divides that happen in the borderlands between the United States and Mexico. This studio - Borders, Boundaries, and The Imaginary - pushed us as students to take an interdisciplinary approach to design work through looking at different aspects of culture, landscape, and law. Throughout this studio we looked at memory and familial relations through the exploration of how we saw ourselves, our relationship to our peers, and our understanding of those far away.
To comprehend the gravity of the international human rights laws and relationship it has to the migration happenings along the US - Mexico border, our studio performed a simulation that played roles of each group involved in the borderlands. The roles that were provided gave us a greater sense of empathy and understanding for all involved in the borderlands. In my experience of the simulation I became knowledgable of the United States Government in Department of the Interior - an advisor of Deb Haaland. I presented issues pertaining to the Indigenous relationships, national parks and lands, natural resources, and species endangerment within the United States context. After researching and negotiating amongst other United States government departments, the Mexican government, Indigenous Council, NGOs, and Land owners; our productive simulation discussion pointed to our main solution - collaboration and conversation.
This project is a result of our simulation, an imaginary solution to a very real problem. The Liminal Space addresses the political and ecological tension within the borderlands of the United States and Mexico that is apparent in its landscape and rhetoric used to describe the highly cultural area. Utilizing the Rio Grande as both a political and physical border between the two countries, the Liminal Space floats between - creating a space of transition. Through landscape restoration and educational facilities, the Liminal Space connects people to landscape through an understanding of Indigenous ecological stewardship and cultural awareness for anyone who travels to this space.
Fall 2021, Arc 401
Professor Diane Fellows
Project Duration : 11 Weeks
Professor Diane Fellows
Project Duration : 11 Weeks
