The 5th Façade Project is a series of built and conceptual investigations into the neglected top layer of cities: the rooftops. Beginning as a research project, the data then informed a science fiction story written by Alan Maskin called “Welcome to the Fifth Façade.” Taking the form of a mural, a science fiction story, then a graphic novel, and eventually a film, “Welcome to the Fifth Façade” went on to win first place in Blank Space’s 2016 Fairy Tales Competition, the world’s largest architectural ideas contest.
The 5th Facade Project
Seattle, Washington
In my work, sometimes a story informs the design of a built project, and sometimes a built project is later turned into a story. Fiction to non-fiction and back again.Alan Maskin
Dowell Residence
Seattle, Washington
West Edge Tower
Seattle, Washington
Team
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Gabriela Denise Frank
Awards
2016
Fairy Tales 2016: Architecture Storytelling Competition hosted by Blank Space
Port Townsend Film Festival, Winner, Welcome to the 5th Facade Video
The Architect’s Newspaper Best of Design Award for Architectural Representation > Analog
Publications
2022
Killigrew, Rebecca. “Monuments of Culture.” Architecture Magazine, 4 Feb. 2022. Web.
“Monuments of Culture.” Architecture Magazine, Feb./Mar. 2022, 16-17. Print.
2017
2016
“12th Annual Science Fiction + Fantasy Short Film Festival 2017.” AmericanTowns, 5 Dec. 2016. Web.
“Fairy Tales 2016 Competition Winner: Olson Kundig.” Decorcus, 28 March 2016. Web.
Kühnlein, Andreas. “Architektur: Projekt, Kulthaus, Radar & Garten.” Architectural Digest Germany, June 2016, 65. Print.
Manitach, Amanda. “Design Fantasy.” City Arts, 22 April 2016. Web.
“Olson Kundig Wins 2016 Blank Space Fairy Tales Competition.” Dexigner, 25 March 2016. Web.
Taylor-Hochberg, Amelia. “Editor’s Picks: Favorite Projects.” Archinect. Dec. 2016. Web.
“Welcome to the 5th Façade by Olson Kundig.” Gestalten, 29 March 2016. Web.