"The colours are a-changin´!"
Axel Müller-Schöll
Local
problems arise from global change. This connection becomes increasingly
central in our perception of current cultural, social and daily issues.
It can be acute, for instance in the form of crises with an ethnical
background, or chronic, for instance in the case of natural disasters.
An intellectual examination in situ is rarely possible since there is
no adequate institution on university level that would be in charge. A
sort of Task Force University of Design and Engineering could direct
international study groups to such hot spots where their conceptional
and creative potential is urgently needed. With the help of competent
local partners, students could become active in an experimental and
inter-disciplinary manner.
This statement describes a vision that is freely invented and not reminiscent of anything. The idea for the placement of such a travelling university is based on a true story: The U.S. government had been trying for nearly 30 years to break up the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany. All standard attempts proved to be useless: with its 266 metres in length, the ship was simply too big to discreetly discard it in a marine cemetary. And the amount of contaminated material aboard made it extremely complicated to take apart. Eventually, this giant was boned and blown up off the California coast. Today, ambitious divers and tourists from all over the world come to see the world’s biggest artificial reef at 64 metres below sea level. Internet research revealed that shortly, another 344 metre-long aircraft carrier is due to be discharged: the USS Enterprise. The question of waste management and disposal will thus arise again. However, this vision need not be a fearful one; instead, it can serve as an inspiration for (interior) architects and designers to think about a sensible alternative application of the ship.