Exploring Urban Challenges: The City May Now Scatter Initiative

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City is set to captivate architecture enthusiasts with two groundbreaking exhibitions: Down to Earth and The City May Now Scatter.

These exhibitions delve into the evolving relationship between architecture, technology, and the environment. They showcase innovative projects that challenge conventional architectural paradigms.

From the integration of built structures with the Earth’s crust to the visionary urban planning schemes of Frank Lloyd Wright, these exhibits offer a profound exploration of how architecture can foster resilient communities and reimagine our interconnectedness with the planet.

Exploring the Depths of Down to Earth

Opening on November 22, 2024, Down to Earth is a compelling exhibition that highlights the work of contemporary architects who are redefining the relationship between architecture and the Earth.

This exhibit, located in Gallery 216 at MoMA, draws inspiration from the ideas of French philosopher Bruno Latour. It emphasizes the significance of the Earth’s outer crust, known as the “critical zone,” where most life occurs.

Architectural Innovations in the Critical Zone

In stark contrast to the modernist architects of the early 20th century who sought to elevate living spaces above the ground, contemporary architects featured in Down to Earth are embracing the Earth as an ally rather than an antagonist.

These architects are pioneering projects that thoughtfully intervene in the critical zone, demonstrating how the design of the built environment can:

• Foster resilient communities
• Mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis
• Re-establish connections between humans and nonhuman life

The exhibition showcases a series of conceptual and material projects that illustrate how architecture can play a pivotal role in addressing pressing environmental challenges. By integrating built structures with the Earth’s natural systems, these projects offer innovative solutions for sustainable living.

The Visionary Urban Planning of The City May Now Scatter

Opening on July 5, 2024, The City May Now Scatter presents a fascinating exploration of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Broadacre City model. This impressive twelve-foot-by-twelve-foot model, on display for the first time in a decade, serves as the centerpiece of the exhibition in Gallery 519 at MoMA.

Wright’s visionary planning scheme, Broadacre City, proposed a radical reimagining of urban and rural living in response to the technological advancements of the early 20th century.

Broadacre City: A Vision for Decentralized Living

Frank Lloyd Wright envisioned a future where the automobile and telephone would revolutionize urban planning by enabling the dispersal of populations from city centers to the countryside.

His Broadacre City model proposed a grid of highways across the United States, allowing individuals to own an acre or more of land. This vision aimed to:

• Eliminate the economic advantages of centralized industry and commerce
• Revive Thomas Jefferson’s dream of widespread land ownership
• Create a more equitable and decentralized society

The exhibition contextualizes Wright’s proposal within the broader sociotechnical landscape of the early 20th century. It features works from MoMA’s collection that grapple with the potentials and perils of new transportation and communication technologies.

From Edward Hopper’s painting of a gas station to Lester Beal’s posters advocating for rural electrification, the exhibit provides a comprehensive view of the era’s transformative innovations.

Curatorial Insights and Public Engagement

Both exhibitions are the result of meticulous curatorial efforts by MoMA’s dedicated team.

Down to Earth is organized by Evangelos Kotsioris, Assistant Curator, and Paula Vilaplana de Miguel, Curatorial Assistant, with contributions from Joëlle Martin and Abby Hermosilla. The City May Now Scatter is curated by Carson Chan, Director, with the assistance of Matthew Wagstaffe, Dewi Tan, Eva Lavranou, and Rachel Remick.

Engaging the Public

To enhance the visitor experience, MoMA will host a series of public events and online features related to both exhibitions.

These events aim to foster a deeper understanding of the architectural innovations and historical contexts presented in the exhibits. More information on these events will be available on MoMA’s official website.

Conclusion: A New Era of Architectural Exploration

The exhibitions Down to Earth and The City May Now Scatter at MoMA offer a unique opportunity to explore the evolving relationship between architecture, technology, and the environment.

By examining the innovative projects of contemporary architects and the visionary urban planning of Frank Lloyd Wright, these exhibits challenge us to rethink our approach to designing the built environment.

As we face the pressing challenges of climate change and urbanization, these exhibitions provide valuable insights into how architecture can help create a more sustainable and interconnected world.

For more information on these groundbreaking exhibitions, visit MoMA’s official announcement.