ON THE FENCE
The Border Crossing Station, connecting Brownsville, Texas and Matamoros, Mexico is in addition to being an international checkpoint a performing arts and community center, creating a meeting point between the both countries to reunite families that are separated.
The design concept for the 60,000 square foot border crossing and performance center is to create a lightweight, transparent structure that gives creates a understanding of both countries adjacencies to the border. As pedestrians cross from Mexico to the US, they transverse an elevated walkway that branches into three different points, depending on the direction they would like to take. One of the options is a main design element, the rooftop park. This is an international area for families from Mexico and the US to meet together and spend time in a welcoming environment. Another route from Mexico directs you to an art and performance center, which is also an international zone between the two counties. The performance space floats over the Rio Grande and cantilevers across the international borderline.
On the Fence, Border Crossing Station will be important to the area as a gathering space for the people that can be seen from blocks away.
