Balloon Factory

As an american colony since 1898, Puerto Rico has been subject of external linguistic pressures, alternating and distorting their main spanish language. Spanglish, the combination of english and spanish, is commonly spoken amongst the locals and youth, however is perceived with negative remarks by intellectuals. The balloon factory is responsable of creating new spanglish words and translating the existing into balloons that float in the air. The project is a celebration and validation of the importance of spanglish to the culture of puerto ricans. Located in “El Yunque" Rainforest, the factory is planned to receive locals who desire to take a part in the process. The exercise consists in the participation of etymology and semiotic camps, discernment of words, culminating in the design, fabrication and launch of the words/balloons. Much like the 1928 Brazilian manifesto of antropofagía, which consisted in the canibalization of foreigner art and culture as a response of the oppressing colonialism, the factory devours language. It takes an english word, it chews it up, and spits it back out, creating a new thing.

The peculiar architectural style is born out of the colonial Spanish style combined with local tropical tendencies. The interiors feature colonial arches and curves, with the vibrant colors and textures of the forest.

After the balloons are built, they are launched in celebratory ceremonies.The balloons represent the peculiar Puerto Rican Spanish lingo in a physical way. The design of these is meant to be questioned, meaning that there isn't a guide to building these, much like there isn't a guide towards building words or developing language. The balloons are meant to be as organically built as the spanglish itself.

"JANGUEAR" balloon; "WEPA" balloon

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