Project by Jeewon Seo
I explore human–animal relationships and become inspired by the concept of the reversed gaze, the moment when an animal observes the human. Pigeons already interpret human presence and intention, but humans rarely learn to understand pigeons. This changed how I saw the city, with humans inhabiting the ground and pigeons inhabiting the overlooked high and peripheral spaces. I focus on the urban gaps where pigeons live, such as ledges, ducts, fire escapes, and AC units, and treat these as architectural material rather than leftover space. I bring these gaps into Pier 45 and layer them like structural floors. Where layers accumulate, pigeons gain high vantage points. Where they think humans and pigeons share space together. Pier 45 historically supported oyster gathering and fishing. That labor returns within a spatial system that openly accommodates pigeons. This project proposes a shared workplace and a site of mutual presence, encounter, and recognition.
