⌂ John Hilla

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AUTOMOTIVE ADAPTABILITY

General Motors Research & Design
University of Michigan

Lonely Hearts Clubhouse was an entry to Arch Out Loud’s 2021 HOME Competition and was selected for the Director’s Choice award. The project investigates the potential of non-traditional architectural materials and digital fabrication techniques to explore emerging societal concerns. Refinements in form and materiality through the evolution of digital media technologies can have a profound impact on the perception of environment. With this in mind, the following project statement was developed to provide a conceptual framework for both this design and the chosen methods of representation:

“Isolationism is increasingly becoming a palpable part of our society, and all indications are that this custom will not be waning anytime soon. Given the current trajectories in global health, the logic of the future may likely view reclusion as way of avoiding potentially unhealthy interactions and illness, though this practice will certainly be accompanied by strong feelings of alienation. The home has always been seen as a shelter, and even a haven in troubled times, but now it is also becoming our only intimate friend. This premise offered a unique opportunity to explore the speculative future of the home.

The story of the Lonely Hearts Clubhouse is that of a companion who will join us on our journey to redefine our relationship with ourselves, our homes, and each other. Photographer Gregory Crewdson has famously explored themes of personal despondency in a way that may be resonating with us now more than ever. It therefore seemed pertinent to represent the Lonely Hearts Clubhouse within a Crewdson depiction of an alienating moment in American life. The beauty of this imagery comes from a timeless rendering of momentary despair, wherein the Lonely Heart Clubhouse fits perfectly.”