Architecture and the Blue Prints of Humanity
In a world shaped by the perpetual tide of migration, especially in the last few decades where we see thousands of people flow into the United States, the role of an architect transcends the mere creation of physical spaces. It takes on a profound political dimension that is utterly linked with social justice. The designs architects conceive and the structures they build serve as more than brick and mortar; they are physical manifestations of societal values, power dynamics, and the aspirations of a shared future. In this era marked by mass immigration, we as future architects find ourselves at a crossroads where we must face the ethical and political implications of our role. Since as time goes by immigration will only rise.
The blueprints we draft are a tangible reflection of society's core values, hierarchies of power, and collective dreams for tomorrow. In 1991 I migrated to the United States and a few years later, I started my Bachelor of Architecture program at LTU. I didn’t fit in, given that my English was poor, and I suffered deep emotional scars from being a child of war, I didn’t make many friends and was often looked at as an outcast. I was afraid, I was unsure if I could make it through school, even though my dream was to become an architect. I sought comfort and security in the entryway of the Wayne H. Buell Building and found my voice as a vocalist between the concrete walls. I would sing when no one was there because the walls and the glass doors manifested an echo. These walls became my friends, and that habit eventually turned into a coping mechanism for my anxiety. Many years passed since then, now, I’m working on my third professional album as a vocalist and back to school for my master’s in architecture. I will never forget that experience. Who would have thought that these cold concrete walls would be so healing for an immigrant such as me?
I can understand how buildings carry the extraordinary power to shape the experiences and lives of those who inhabit the spaces they create. Mass immigration places these responsibilities under a glaring spotlight. As diverse communities seek refuge and opportunity in countries like the United States, architects are called to do more than merely craft aesthetically pleasing spaces. They are charged with a profound responsibility: to ensure that the spaces they design are inclusive, equitable, and conducive to harmonious coexistence among culturally diverse communities.
In doing some research I stumbled upon the Ellis Island Immigration Station in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Ellis Island, a renowned symbol of immigration to the United States, was paradoxically a place where architectural design and function often had a detrimental effect on arriving immigrants. The very architecture of this immigration station was rooted in utility, designed primarily for processing and inspections rather than creating a welcoming atmosphere.
The processing facilities were far from inviting, characterized by their stark, utilitarian nature. Upon arrival, immigrants were subjected to thorough medical examinations and legal inspections, often in crowded and unsanitary conditions. The architecture of these facilities did little to alleviate the stress and anxiety that immigrants experienced during their arrival. Instead, it contributed to a sense of intimidation and dehumanization, as newly arrived individuals navigated a complex and often confusing bureaucracy. Family separations were not uncommon. Men, women, and children could be sent to separate areas during processing, causing further distress for families who had embarked on their journey to the United States together. Language and cultural barriers added to the complexity of the immigrant experience at Ellis Island. The architectural design of the station did not effectively address the linguistic and cultural differences among the diverse groups of immigrants. As a result, many individuals encountered misunderstandings with the staff, deepening the sense of alienation and disorientation. Perhaps most distressing were the detention areas and the looming possibility of deportation. Immigrants who failed medical examinations or did not meet legal requirements could find themselves detained at Ellis Island, often in conditions that were far from hospitable. The architecture of these detention spaces underscored the uncertainty and vulnerability immigrants faced upon their arrival, as the threat of deportation hung over them.
While Ellis Island holds a prominent place in the immigration history of the United States and represents the aspirations of countless immigrants, it is crucial to recognize that the architecture and operations of the immigration station, particularly during certain periods, failed to create a welcoming and positive immigrant experience. In these moments, the architecture and infrastructure had a negative impact on immigrants, highlighting the complexities of immigration history and the pivotal role of architecture in shaping the immigrant journey.
My personal journey, as an immigrant to the United States in 1991, embarking on my Bachelor of Architecture at LTU, underscores the transformative potential of architecture. I found solace and healing in the echoes of a building's concrete walls, transforming it into a refuge for my anxiety. The realization that architecture transcends its utilitarian function was a revelation, one that has driven me to pursue my dreams in both music and architecture. In conclusion, the architectural choices we make can either uplift or hinder the immigrant experience. It underscores the crucial role architects play in crafting spaces that foster social justice, inclusivity, and cultural preservation. As we forge ahead in a world marked by ever-increasing migration, let us be the architects who choose to design spaces that embrace the aspirations of a global society, bridging divides and offering refuge and hope to all who seek a better future.
References:
NPShttps://www.nps.gov/elis/learn/historyculture/index.htm#:~:text=Historic%20Immigration%20Station,took%20appr oximately%203%2D7%20hours. https://saveellisisland.org/about-us/blog/item/50-ellis-island%E2%80%99s-history.html
