Sinan Azizagaoglu _ Selected Works of Architecture & Illustration

Proposal:
The infrastructure of New York City is primarily comprised of a network of
roads and sidewalks, which serve as the foundation for socio-cultural
production. These bustling thoroughfares generate a "power of the gaze"
which objectifies individuals and facilitates a cultural exchange of identity and
ideas, shaping the evolution of New York and its inhabitants. Art plays a role
in this exchange as an accelerator, drawing inspiration from the city and its
people and providing a prefigurative experience that helps to normalize the
unfamiliar.
For a sociocultural center to be truly deserving of its title, it must not only facilitate
social and cultural interaction but also provide a means for individuals to impact the
larger city, which plays a critical role in shaping sociocultural dynamics. The goal is
to transform people from being passive objects of the sociocultural process to active
participants who have agency. Decisions made by elected officials, rather than the
people, can significantly alter the demographic and economic identity of the city and
ultimately impact its sociocultural fabric. As such, the people of New York require a
tool that empowers them to participate in the city's transformation and hold their
representatives accountable for their actions.
Therefore, the project is centered around three key elements: the sidewalk, art, and
people's engagement in decision-making.
_Sidewalk:
The pedestrian walkways serve as the primary link for people to access the project.
It is through their presence and engagement that the area becomes vibrant and
diverse, featuring commercial, artistic, entertainment, and democratic programming.
W34th’s design, which is based on a network of walkways connecting different levels
and areas, ensures its seamless integration with the city. Rather than being isolated,
the project becomes an extension of the larger urban fabric.
_Art (Hub):
Artists are significantly impacted by processes like gentrification, as those who strive
to create independent of art galleries may be pushed out of the city center due to
high prices. This leaves the central area to be dominated by the art of the privileged,
and reduces art to a mere form of entertainment rather than a vital tool for
changing mindsets. The Art Hub seeks to make art more accessible to the public,
featuring affordable atelier modules that can be combined to suit each artist's needs.
In addition to ateliers, the space offers exhibition areas, opportunities for
conversation with fellow artists and passersby, and workshops. The Art Hub is
strategically located in close proximity to established pedestrian and vehicular axes.
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Site Plan