Both sites are rather interesting, but Pendleton by far. It an historical site in which we have the opportunity to further the expression of memory. Right now there exists a memory block in the space that use to be the cafe. This site is void of any real connections to the community it serves outside the memory block which is more of an abstract entity. Okay so that last part was a compilation of what everyone around here has been saying. But i do agree. The meaning behind taking an old memory and converting it into a new memory for people is really cool. I just hope we pull it off.
Mr. G informed us today during our ginormous charrette that we will have to deal with mistrust on the communities part. Apparently there is some bad blood between some of the community and Clemson. Go f'in figure, right. Anyways, so I foresee me, being the only black in this studio, being the poster-child for the Pendleton site. I'm cool with that though. Once they see that we are trying to further the experience of the site, they will be behind us. I think really it will come down to how much of an effort our pr and cultural people take to really get the community to know that we mean well and are truly just trying to help. I probably will spend more time there than at Jaycee Park because it's going to be really crowded--and i don't do huge crowds unless i'm invited. There are so many issues behind that statement that we are just going to gloss over that one.
Speaking of the size, that is going to be the most difficult hurdle. J Nasty said it best, "I'm afraid that we are going to have too many chiefs and not enough indians." (well put) Side note i think there may be more of the partying types than anything.
As long as we don't diddle daddle on the design too long we might be able to get something done. But then we would have to deal with materiality, and site layout. That is a handful in itself. Well all we can do is hope the best and party like it's 19-99.
