OPPRESSIVE EMPOWERMENT
Instructor: Henry Yang | Kiara Hiatt | Fall 2022 | WSOA
Oppressive Empowerment originated from the image, ‘A woman stares at what remains of Rana Plaza’ (Jason Motlagh August 2013). This image depicts the narrative: consumers of fast fashion ironically support a cycle of oppression, voicelessness, and even death by buying into a false advertisement of empowerment. The fast fashion industry commercializes empowerment by advertising its clothes and accessories on beautiful, strong, and confident women that represent a self-sense of empowerment. Situating the fast garment industry issues as an architectural problem, the project provides an opportunity for architects to rethink how they can shape and lead the production of culture and society. By promoting a healthier working environment through architectural means, architecture can demonstrate an opportunity for empowering garment workers as well as educating consumers.
Oppressive Empowerment Physical Model and Drawings - Photo Credit: Christopher Lee
One-point perspective view of original image
Detailed shot of physical model from one-point perspective viewpoint (the garment worker woman) - Photo Credit: Christopher Lee
Overview of physical model and drawings pinned on the back wall
Presentation picture (Kiara Hiatt and Robben Betancourt) - Photo Credit: Christopher Lee
Original Image depicted in one-point perspective of physical model - 'A woman stares at what remains of Rana Plaza' (Jason Motlagh August 2013)
Detail shot of woman - tags showcase fast fashion brands: Shein, H&M, ZARA, and Forever 21
Detailed shot of buildings, created with scraps of fabric, tags of fast fashion brands, spools of yarn and string, and old sewing machine parts
Close up of section and plan drawing
Close up of section and plan drawing
Final Section and Plan drawing of college campus concept
Render of possible chunk model of woman building
Full printed board of section and plan of college campus concept design
Detailed close up of woman and fast fashion tags - Photo Credit: Christopher Lee
Detailed close up, parts of sewing machine, fabric, and chicken wire to create the rubble
Detailed shot of rubble, chicken wire with newspaper and sewing pattern paper to create the details in the section and plan drawings
Detailed close up of woman with background
One-Point perspective shot from woman's dress
Detailed close up of metal shaft depicted from clothing hangers and rubble