Split between New and Old

“The generic city is fractal, an endless repetition of the same simple structural module”

There is a fine line between old and new, historic buildings and Bibliteca San Antoni. The metal sheet facade is a repetition of the same undulating shape, while the older facade has the unique texture of balconies and the stories they tell of their individual users. 

Historic or Hollywood

“It is the city without history...it is ‘superficial’ - like a Hollywood studio lot, it can produce a new identity every Monday morning" 

While these two photos are taken in Barcelona, it is sometimes indecipherable where in the world these cars are driving. In the former, the rear view mirror reflects the Hospital de San Pau, which honors the history of Barcelona. In the latter, a Hollywood sign is overlaid on the mountainside because the street is reminiscent of Los Angeles. Both BCN and LA are generic cities that are known for their beaches and palm trees, even though the palms are invasive species to the climate anyway. Each city has the ability to do a major makeover and change the way the city appears to an outsider. 

Catalonian Culture with an American Franchise

“The architecture of the Generic City is by definition beautiful. Built at incredible speed, and conceived at even more incredible pace…”

When approaching a cultural landmark, there is always the option of American franchise food. Although it is a shame because Gaudi did not intend on having such poor retail adjacent to his cathedral, having Burger King nearby is a safety net for tourists because it provides food they know they are comfortable with. 

The View of a Biker

“Each Generic City has a waterfront, not necessarily with with water…but at least an edge where it meets another condition, as if a position of near escape is the best guarantee for its enjoyment”

Two people can enjoy a city from a different perspective. While one biker enjoys the overlook from Monjuic, another tries to go unnoticed while worried on the phone in El Born.  The former enjoys the view of the water front, while the later seeks shelter under a storefront, closed for siesta. Additionally, the small items in the window and graffiti create an added texture that the waterfront lacks. 

Reutilization of the Historic Courtyard

“The systematical restoring of historic mediocrity, all authenticity is relentlessly evacuated”

The Bibliteca San Antoni utilizes the courtyard space created by the Cerda grid. Thus, within this outdoor hallway, the courtyard and surrounding buildings are visible in the reflection. Additionally, the beauty of having young children in the park and the elderly reading the library is a special moment in the urban landscape.