Desert Oasis

While we think of the politically charged border-wall and crossing as a confrontational experience, why can't these international transition spaces be celebrated as points of interest and beauty. The competition for border crossing for pedestrians between Mexico and the United States in 2005 was won by the Belgian firm OFFICE Kersten Geers David Van Severen, in collaboration with Wonne Ickx - investigates this idea. (via Bustler)


:: image via Bustler

Some information from Bustler: "An oblong volume provides a border crossing for pedestrians between Mexico and the US, and interrupts the endless demarcated boundary. A nine-meter high wall defines a no-man’s-land between the two countries. Within the white walls a grid of palm trees imposes order on a large, shaded garden. Pavilions for passport control and administration are spread around here and there, becoming part of the garden. The oasis is a point of reference in the vast Tex-Mex landscape, hidden within the open landscape by its walls. In all its simplicity it raises questions about the desire for the promised land.”