This thesis engages architectures of apparent contrasting natures: architectures of flow and contagion, architectures of isolation and quarantine. Contrasting natures are revealed through two typologies, the fortress versus the sponge. Where the fortress acts as a place of refuge insusceptible to outside influence or disturbance, while the sponge serves as a connector, providing a new dynamic urban spatial condition for the community to connect, disconnect, spread ideas, and concerns. Architectures are deployed in Cobbs Creek, Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Deployment occurs at contemporary voids near the site of the 1985 Philadelphia Police bombing on the primitive back to nature African American organization MOVE resulting in the death of five children, six adults, and leaving 250 people homeless. The thesis oscillates through the mediums of documentary film, soundtrack, and a proposition.
