HIPSTER RUNOFF

Photos via design milk

One day, I will break free from my job in corporate America. Working in my cubicle all day, relying on a larger corporation to pay me every month so that I can survive. I work in a generic office building, one that you drive by every day, but you don't really understand what exactly has to happen for the business to survive. I work in one of many departments, feeling like a 'brick in the wall' with a bunch of other people who are in the same pay-bracket as me.

So many employers don't understand how architecture can change the way that they do business. Positive community space can enable workers to bond, work, thrive, and build peer-2-peer sharing networks of business information and intelligence.

H8 being stuck in my cubicle all day. Feel sad that all I can dream of is 'getting my own office' one day, but even that is just a bigger cubicle.

What I really want
is 2 break free
from a company employing me
and to break out of my cubicle

My dream is to be self-employed
living the American Dream
doing my work
in a progressive space
that enables me to make millions of dollars.

I want to be self-employed and work in a conceptual work space / modern cubicle that integrates itself into the space in my regional community.

I want a window that overlooks my backyard. Watch my children grow. Monitoring the dog, making sure he doesn't 'dig up the flowers.'

Might build a spherical pod that can roll around, move it into a public park on a beautiful day. If there is a flood, I will just 'float on' kinda like that Modest Mouse song.

Being self-employed is the American Dream
Having a portal where u can sit in front of a computer
and make money
may or may not be the modern version of the American Dream

Maybe I can start an mp3 music streaming service
a blog website
a music reviews zine
the next facebook
a microblogging community
a meme blog about hipster sea monkeys
The possibilities are endless
as long as I have
the right space to work in

A pod that represents 'the future'
like a space pod
that could feasibly exist in outerspace
looking out the window at Earth
floating above all
transcending all companies.

I want a Lincoln Log cabin. A modern take on an old ideal space. A place where 'shit can get done.'

I want a space that enables me to write a modern version of the Gettysburg Address
Perhaps a meme blog called 'The Williamsburg Address' that makes fun of hipsters
who live in the Williamsburg area of New York / Virginia

My company will be strong, progressive, small.
A tight nit family of workers who truly share ideas to create a better world.
Handling conference calls, browsing the internet, making deals, selling goods + one-of-a-kind services
on the internet.

Space can really change your workplace
Inspire your employers
Help you to stay connected with the world
in order to make positive changes in our ever-changing societal world

What is the American Dream?
What is ur work space like? Does it depress u?
Do u believe more companies should make 'kewler' spaces to inspire workers?
If you could build a work space, what would it look like?
Is life just a series of cubicles?

Photo via architectsnewspaper

I was walking through Brooklyn on Halloween nite when I stumbled past these 3 authentic children, all dressed as relevant architectural landmarks. I had to do a google image search since I 'recognized that the buildings were relevant' but didn't know their names. Turns out that they are the Guggenheim, the New Museum, and the Whitney.  All of the children seem happy, knowing that they are 'way smarter'/generally 'better' than most regular kidz and their boring-ass costumes.  Sorta feel sad looking at the lil grim reaper bro in the background.

I am not sure if these costumes are authentic, or if they are kinda like when a 'parent completes a school project for their kid.'  The kids seem 'pumped', but not sure if all kids love architecture.  Wonder if the parents are 'projecting their own interests/profession' on their kids...but it seems likely that these kids are just more culturally aware than I will ever be.

It seems like it took me 17-26 years to cultivate my cultural-connectedness to all things alt/kewl/relevant. It seems unfair that these kids have parents who can train them to be relevant at a young age.  I wonder how I coulda turned out with 'proper guidance' instead of just existing in suburbia, and eventually 'raging against' suburban consumer identities.  Feeling insecure, like these kids have more insightful opinions on the world than me, and I am just sorta pretending to be 'me.'

I feel like I missed out on a lot in life.  My parents used to drive me to public school in their 'gas guzzler', but some kids have it totally different.   Some kids grow up using public transportation in a meaningful way. When I lived in suburbia, I always 'made fun of the poors' utilizing public transportation.

Wish my parents cared more about making me a bloggable internet photo, instead of 'dressing me up in some lame costume that they purchased at Wal Mart'/utillizing their limited artistic skills to draw a skeleton on my face.  Feeling ashamed and then feeling guilty for feeling ashamed.

I feel like I possibly 'fucking h8'/'resent the fuck out of' my parents for not creating a meaningful-enough childhood for me (on a global scale). I understand that there are pure moments which I will hold near and dear to my heart...but I can't help but feel incredibly sad right now, looking at these kids living a life that I deserved.  Seeing these parents giving their kids the life that I think my parents deserved to give me.  I wish I could some how make them understand.

Do u ever wish that ur parents were 'more than they are' for ur own sake? Do u wish they were famous/snark bloggers/local celebrities? Sometimes I feel relieved that my parents aren't 'too snarky'/'too cultured' because it brings me back down to earth when I come home from college, but then I wonder how my life coulda been different if an adult-version of me raised me.

Coulda...shoulda...woulda...
Guess that's life.

I'm gonna do a lot of things different when I raise a kid.

Tell me abt ur childhood.
What did u get from it?
What do u want from life now?
Do alt parents yield mainstream kids?
Do relevant parents raise 'snooty' kids?
Should u give ur kids a mainstream childhood so they can choose to seek alternative authenticity on their own?
How do u raise a child so that he or she can discover their interests on their own?
At what age can ppl truly 'get' architecture? (age 34?)

'There's no such thing as home.'
- Zacharias Braff, The Garden State of Friendship movie film

This is the story of how Carles gave up his prestigious position at a leading architecture firm and eventually ended up living in this temporary cardboard structure attached to a wall in the subway. A story about giving up everything 2 find urself.

Photo via Ivan Rodic

I went away to the city. After I finished the 5 year architecture program at Rhode Island Institute of Design, I got a job with one of the most prestigious architecture firms in the world. They were known for their innovation, 'kewl looking buildings' and sometimes downright zany/dangerous design decisions. I was the understudy to one of the most respected architects in the world, and he really taught me a lot--how to challenge norms and how 2 transcend society. How 2 value public space and how not 2 care about material things. He taught me about how to use the Adobe Creative Suite, as well as how to use 'actual Adobe' to create a shelter. The truth is, when u architectify a beautiful building, it doesn't need to stand out--it needs to be functional and cheap. This is the beauty behind architecture.

After I 'matured' into a true designer, I resigned from my position, and decided to go to a suburban construction company who designed 'shitty buildings' that people take for granted. I made a lot of structures that I was very proud of. I did not make as much money as I could of, nor did I design museums or investment banking facilities, but I was truly happie.

Here is a strip mall that I designed.

I redesigned the space within 24% of Subways in the USA

I designed a space in which Chicken and Tacos could be served.

Here is a concept Chinese restaurant that I embedded within a now defunct mall.

I even revolutionized the storage industry by inventing something called 'Portable On Demand Storage' (PODS), where people can put all of their shit in a huge box.

As you can see, I designed things that real people use on a daily basis. It was as if I had 'mastered' architecture, and there was nothing else to achieve. I felt like I was on top of the world, much like after most architects build their 'master building.' I was truly on top of my game.

This was when I decided to challenge norms for the rest of my own life.

I created a temporary structure within the local subway system. It was made out of cardboard and duct tape. The purpose of this structure is to promote 'sustainability' and 'portability.' One of the walls of my new home was 'already built' and I could theoretically live any where in the world, just as long as there was some sort of 'wall' where my home could be attached. I did not need multiple rooms, a restroom, or even many furnishings beyond a bundle of cloth to sleep upon.

No longer do I need to be 'connected to a world' so I no longer require television, internet, nor radio. I am truly free. I have formed a small bartering community with other 'underlings' and we trade essential goods and services.

I am finally home. This is my structure. It took me 20 years of being an architect to finally realize what it means to feel 'at home' within a structure. After years of searching for a place where I belong after the death of my mother, I finally felt 'free.' While many people within society would thing that I am 'a piece of shit', they don't realize that until you have learned what it takes to create+alter space, u don't truly understand how 'structures', 'buildings', and miscellaneous portals of space have changed U as a person.

U R Where U Live.
This Bro Is Me.

Previous homelessness coverage
http://www.hipsterrunoff.com/2008/12/homelessness-big-in-2k9.html
http://www.hipsterrunoff.com/2009/06/my-parents-kicked-me-out-of-the-house.html

Yall. I think I have found what I really want to do with my life. I want to design buildings. I want to affect/effect space. I want to challenge reality. I want to tell the world about my strong philosophical viewpoints [via building buildings that look kewl/modern/nontraditional]

I was thinking about getting my portfolio ready 4 submission. Might create some Frank Lloyd Wright buildings out of LEGO

Should I live an efficiency designed by Rem Koolhaus? ($950/month)

Should I specialize in AZN design?

Should I build tall buildings, or just stout ones that look kewl?

Should I build lil penis buildings?

Does n e 1 know where the best architecture school in the world is?
Does n e 1 know where I can study abroad to learn the most about space/public space/etc?
Do yall think people who go to archy school are either 'fucking weirdos' or 'trying too hard'?
I need to get my applications ready. Might ask some of the commenters for recommendation letters [via comments].
Have yall read that Ayn Rand book 'The Fountainhead'? Will my life be more interesting/transcendental if I study architecture?

I feel like archy school might be more authentic than design school cuz ur not just 'fucking around in photoshop' trying to make something on a screen look kewl. u actually get to leave a mark on reality. Feel excited about this new era.

I think one concept that sets me apart from entry levels+ mainstreamers is my ability to value 'space.' Most mainstreamers don't even know what 'space' really means. They think it's what exists outside of the Earth's atmosphere. SPACE is everything.

You are in a space right now. Are you in an authentic space? More than likely not. Unless you live in an authentic apartment, are utilizing wifi at an authentic coffee house, or are in a public space in a major metropolitan area utilizing free city-wide wifi. SPACE means thinking about every compartment of Earth like it is an art gallery. Within this white walled art gallery, you are supposed to produce a meaningful experience by either creating a product or service, or interacting with people. Your meaningful experience will some how relate to humanity on a global scale.

SPACE is intended to bring us together.
SPACE is intended to unite communities.
SPACE is intended to bring the poors, coloureds, whites, and rich whites together.
SPACE is intended to make you more productive.
SPACE is intended to make your community look more 'real.'
SPACE makes you feel like your life is more meaningful.
SPACE makes small things like 'taking a poop' more meaningful if your experience is enhanced by your surroundings.
SPACE is everything.
SPACE may or may not be architecture.
SPACE may or may not be design.
SPACE is a concept--not a realization.
We will never find the perfect space in which to exist because there is no perfect society.
SPACE = rage against nature.
SPACE = merging our city's 'authentic vibe' with a sub-compartment's (apartment, park, coffee shop, etc.) spacial brand
SPACE = spacial branding.
SPACE has meaningful words on the walls in meaningful/authentic fonts.
SPACE is the host of 90% of the world's 'installations.'

I was watching this meaningful clip about building a community space. How many times can u count the word "SPACE" utilized?

Do you remember back before the internet existed, there was a demand for 'creating a positive space that was capable of operating community events'? In this space, any alternative event could take place. A concert, an art show, a local arts & crafts garage sale, a workshop to build u a bike from recycled parts, or even miscellaneous after-school programs to embed alternative values and goals in lil kids. This SPACE is flexible and can be called a 'multi-use space' because u can do just about n e thing in there. (This SPACE is B.Y.O.B.)

Less authentic synonyms for 'space':

• property
• room
• apartment
• place
• retail floor
• ballroom
• cheap property on the pre-gentrified part of town
• room with white walls/zany coloured walls
• four-walled area
• art gallery
• mega-churches
• aesthetic centres
• IKEA-filled compartment
• loft
• condo
• Frank Gehry/Frankie Lloyd Wright

This is a post about being worried about the future of SPACE as an alternative goal. The truth is, SPACE costs money--in order to . The tasks which you could perform inside of a meaningful space usually aren't profitable. The internet usually provides a more flexible, 24-7 forum in which goods can be created and sold, humans can interact, and meaningful relationships can be forged. Can alternative entrepreneurs and alt-non-profit organizations really pay rent for a community space?

SPACE = bar - liquor license ?

Here are quotes that are inspired by spaces which I occupy:

• "The concert was amazing. The club's acoustics really brought out the best in Ben Gibbard's voice. Even though there were a lot of people there, the space made it seem like a meaningful get-together."
• "I just want to move out of the dorms and be in my own space. I have a Container Store gift certificate."
• "We went to my friend's show at an art gallery. The people who ran the space were really uptight about under-aged drinking."
• "The space was owned by a wealthy guy who was trying to make friends within the local alternative community. He used to work for MTV News and now he is trying to start an authentic lil thing."
• "I hate work. It's just the vibe. Something about being at that desk all day makes me want to kill myself. I'd give anything to work at Google. The get to put anything they want in their offices. They get to create their own positive work space."
• "It was crowded, but it made the experience more meaningful. The speaker system failed, but we kept dancing. It was hot. We were sweaty. I'll never forget what it was like to be crammed in that space during the great Dance Revival of 2k7."
• "I want 2 create a space where I can communicate with ppl. I want all interactions 2 b authentic & meaningful. I am building a myspace profile."
• "I am thinking of throwing an event to launch my new web/print zine. Do u know who runs the local alternative community multi-use/multi-function retractable dome community space?"

What does SPACE mean 2 u?
Have u been in any positive/negative spaces lately?
When u r in a 'mainstream' space, does it make u feel less unique?
Should I use HRO ad money to 'buy a community space' where we could do arts & crafts/blog/hang out/'make' 'art'/etc.?

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I have a dream. That one day. Every parcel of land on God's green Earth. Will be positive community space. Which brings us together. Under one common goal. Of enhancing space. And doing things. Within this space. And meeting people. And returning to this space. Multiple times. To have meaningful interactions. With these people. Who I met in this space. Where we can all age together. And bring our children. To keep this space. Functional and alive for years to come.


/// SPACE: THE FINAL ALTERNATIVE FRONTIER