The Hypothetical Futures of Empty Buildings

To draw attention to unused buildings lying fallow in cities like New Orleans, writer Rob Walker has created the "Hypothetical Development Organization" to render possible future uses and designs.

1 minute read

September 27, 2010, 12:00 PM PDT

By Tim Halbur

Alissa Walker of GOOD (no relation) writes:

"Hypothetical Development will feature dozens of architectural renderings for imaginary, never-gonna-happen places, which will be placed on vacant or otherwise forgotten buildings and sites throughout New Orleans. Some ideas the group has come up with already are "The Museum of the Self" and "The Loitering Centre.""

The official website for the Hypothetical Development Organization explains:

"As a public service, H.D.O. invents a hypothetical future for each selected structure. Unlike a traditional, reality-based developer, however, our organization is not bound by rules relating to commercial potential, practical materials, or physics. In our view, plausibility is a creative dead end. That is to say: We are not trying to fool anybody."

FULL STORY: Design Ads for Imaginary Buildings Highlight Lack of Real Development

Monday, September 27, 2010 in GOOD Magazine

Urban Development Louisiana Public Art Rendering

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