Noemi Gomez Lobo, 2020

The studio addresses multiple layers of binaries both found within the 20th century paradigm but also those arriving from the present reconsideration of everyday life due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the latter bringing forth a new binary, that of the essential versus non-essential worker. What is non-essential in essential work and what is necessary in the seemingly unnecessary? From the overuse of plastic packaging found in the Japanese supermarkets to our intrinsic need for emotional expression found in Performing arts, the nuances and interstices within seven different professions were explored through the architectural typologies that comprise the urban environment. The questions expanded to consider themes such as: merger of transportation of goods and transportation infrastructure to incorporate a social character; production of alcohol as part of running a Japanese style bar; housework as a collective and fun endeavor; caring for the elderly while respecting this demographic’s abilities and assets without ostracizing them from society; child caring as a welcomed activity within the neighborhood instead of a nuisance.After devising the “ecologies of livelihood” surrounding the types of work influenced by the methodology of Kon Wajiro’s Modernology, followed a second part of design proposals situated within Tokyo. A detailed section perspective in 1:50 along with axonometric representation and floor plans were produced. [Anastasia GKOLIOMYTI R2]