ARCH_500-600 Options Studio: ‘The Border’

“I am watching the Democrat Party led (because they want Open Borders and existing weak laws) assault on our country by Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, whose leaders are doing little to stop this large flow of people, INCLUDING MANY CRIMINALS, from entering Mexico to U.S…”

 

—Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump, Oct. 18, 2018

 

“….The assault on our country at our Southern Border, including the Criminal elements and DRUGS pouring in, is far more important to me, as President, than Trade or the USMCA. Hopefully Mexico will stop this onslaught at their Northern Border. All Democrats fault for weak laws!”

 

—Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump, Oct. 18, 2018

 

“We are a great Sovereign Nation. We have Strong Borders and will never accept people coming into our Country illegally!”

 

—Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump, Oct. 24, 2018

 

“For those who want and advocate for illegal immigration, just take a good look at what has happened to Europe over the last 5 years. A total mess! They only wish they had that decision to make over again.”

 

—Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump, Oct. 24, 2018

 

“Many Gang Members and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border. Please go back, you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process. This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!”

 

—Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump, Oct. 29, 2018

 

“Our military is being mobilized at the Southern Border. Many more troops coming. We will NOT let these Caravans, which are also made up of some very bad thugs and gang members, into the U.S. Our Border is sacred, must come in legally. TURN AROUND!”

 

—Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump, Oct. 31, 2018

 

“The Caravans are made up of some very tough fighters and people. Fought back hard and viciously against Mexico at Northern Border before breaking through. Mexican soldiers hurt, were unable, or unwilling to stop Caravan. Should stop them before they reach our Border, but won’t!”

 

—Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump, Oct. 31, 2018

 

“Mexico should move the flag waving Migrants, many of whom are stone cold criminals, back to their countries. Do it by plane, do it by bus, do it anyway you want, but they are NOT coming into the U.S.A. We will close the Border permanently if need be. Congress, fund the WALL!”

 

—Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump, Nov. 26, 2018

 

While rejecting the current administration’s xenophobia, demonization of refugees fleeing violence, and preoccupation with militarized fortified borders, this studio examined questions of border security. Is it possible to design a border architecture that incorporates necessary security and processing protocols at international border crossings, that is, at the same time, also welcoming rather than foreboding? Not a wall, not an environment of incarceration and interrogation, but instead spaces and landscapes that are secure and humane?

 

To aid in their research, students took a field trip to Marfa, Texas, site of the US Border Patrol Marfa Station. Students crossed the border at the Presidio, Texas crossing into Ojinaga, Mexico, 55 miles south of Marfa.