2085 Narrative
By 2085, society was entirely reliant on AI-managed systems, eliminating the need for physical presence and traditional skills. These systems collapsed due to unsustainable energy demands, and humanity was left unprepared. In response, the Department of Human Remembrance emerged to rebuild a self-sufficient world grounded in purpose and traditional knowledge. Central to their philosophy is the astrolabe, an ancient navigation tool repurposed as a symbol of guidance and balance between control and freedom. This duality shapes both their beliefs and architectural language. Papplewick Pumping Station acts as a ritual site where initiates undergo symbolic ceremonies, culminating in a permanent imprint of commitment.
Spatial Concept
In this project, I explore the spatial identity of the Department of Human Remembrance through the symbolic geometry of the astrolabe, a historical tool of guidance reimagined for a post-technological society. The design reflects a tension between control and the uncontrolled. Structured forms derived from the astrolabe define the primary ritual spaces, while secondary elements developed through material experiments with nets and clay introduce unpredictability. These opposing forces shape the initiate’s journey through Papplewick Pumping Station, where unsettling transitions punctuate controlled ritual spaces. Through this spatial concept, I aimed to reflect the subtle persistence of control, whilst celebrating individual transformation.
