Architected Anticipation

Human beings are drawn to the spectacle of disaster and destruction. Whether watching a Formula One race in which a life-threatening accident is always a distinct possibility, to the global media-spectacle that emerged in the wake of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York, we are fascinated by the visual and sensory consumption of disastrous events via mass media channels.

Through architectural models, manuals and short films, this project explores our relationship with the thrilling desire for destruction. The work imagines the notion that 'disaster anticipation' is a recognised and legitimate (normalised) behaviour, and aims towards dissipating these compulsions through the simple acts of watching and waiting. Viewing platforms at three of the world's most dangerous airports aim to relieve our most tabooed desires, by providing the spectator with the best possible chance of witnessing a disaster. The thrill in this context is enabled through imagination and anticipation - the possibility of a terrible event - rather than the actual event itself. 

More of this project can be seen here.