Chris Roche
The New Architecture of Poverty and Homelessness
Historically architecture has been viewed within the context of cultural progression. It is a defining aspect of the cities and monuments that we revere as icons of social development. As much as I appreciate this perspective and its status in art and the advancement of science and engineering, the genesis of architecture is the desire for shelter and personal physical boundaries within the societal construct. As our present society becomes more fragmented between the haves and have nots, the people without means have been forced out into the streets. With the lack of any governmental assistance, they have begun to create their own housing and “neighborhoods”. Along with this comes a new architecture that is based on shelter needs and available materials. There is a singular validity to this housing and its purpose based in necessity. There is a tapestry and esthetic that goes along with this, no matter how egregious the circumstance that creates it. That is my social and visual interest. People will rise to their needs. Much of the rest of the world has known this. America is just discovering it. - Chris Roche