The world is facing a record high number of forcibly displaced people. Currently 65.3 million people are being forced to leave their homes; an average of 34,000 people a day are looking for protection and refuge. Innocent men, women, and children are helplessly seeking sanctuary from the crisis around the world. The fear of war and persecution is an ever growing concern to the people of the world.

 

Syrian, Afghani and Somali refugees are seeking safety in their neighboring countries. Turkey, Lebanon, and Pakistan took in a combined 5.2 million people from neighboring countries. With many people fleeing their homes, refugee centers are overcrowded, leading to the rejection of new asylum seekers. These are just small examples of the persecution seen throughout the world today.

 

Sanctuary City becomes a new beacon of hope, located in New York City, the capital of the world.

 

Situated between Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, Sanctuary City becomes a “beacon of hope” where refugees can be relocated to while they migrate into the United States.  Sanctuary City incorporates 4 main components within its infrastructure : an airport, multi-use tower, interactive screen veil, and ferry. Sanctuary City is truly a self-sustaining temporary city.

 

Here, the refugees fly across the open sea to a new world of possibilities. They land in a free territory where refugees can start a new life, just like the millions of people who have landed at Ellis Island in search of their own american dream before them. Welcomed by the kindheartedness of humanity, the refugees are given a place to stay.

 

Upon landing, the refugees are greeted with a large promenade with views of the Statue of Liberty, and New York City. The promenade ties directly into the tower. As they look back at the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Freedom Tower, hope for a new beginning is seen. The opposing end of the promenade incorporates a new ferry which ties directly to Ellis Island.

 

The glass tower sweeps toward the sky, with various programs throughout. The ground level of the tower consists of a refugee welcome center, where they are given supplies, a room, and guidance; this is the first step toward acclimating to their new life. The lower levels consist of various businesses which are willing to help and support refugees during their time of need, prior to entering the United States. Upper levels consist of private spaces and housing for the refugees. A sanctuary space is located at the top of the tower; it is a large meditation garden, with a panoramic view consisting of the Statue of Liberty, and the Freedom Tower.

 

The unique feature of the skin of the tower is it’s sweeping LED screened double skin facade. This veil creates a dialog between the people outside and the people within the tower. The people outside are faced with various news outlets from around the world displaying media and news about refugee support. The people within the tower will project their needs and messages onto the veil for the world to see using social media outlets, email, and messaging systems within the tower. This dynamic screen becomes a vocal third party in a city that welcomes over 50 million tourists from around the world yearly, informing people traveling by boat, and viewing from New York City. This veil becomes a strong proponent for change.

 

Sanctuary City is a beacon of hope. This temporary home for refugees becomes a permanent contemporary symbol representing freedom and hope.

 

There are are for business to help get refugees back on their feet. Like Starbucks who pledges to take in 1200 refugees or ikea who's getting help from refugees to make blankets and kitchen products from a different cultural style….

 

Therefore media spaces where refugees can personally interact and tell their own personal stories through social media like snapchat or Facebook. Here the refugees can find out what is happening back in their home country and find out how other  countries are helping out. This media coverage is then broadcasted on the media vail over the sanctuary tower. The vail constantly changing to the current news keeping everyone in the loop.

 

At the top of the City there is a meditation garden for people to take a moment and gain a sense of peace again.

Once these people have gathered their barrens they can then take a ferry to eliss island and reflect apon the other millions of people who have taken their chances for a better life ahead as they take their next step forward….