E
dgar Papazian, a Noyac architect and past president of the American Institute of Architects' East End chapter, submitted an unconventional entry to this year's AIA Peconic Design Awards. His protest entry envisions a hypothetical future where devastating wildfires in 2029 and 2035 have ravaged the Hamptons, leading to a rebuilding effort focused on middle-class housing.

    In his hand-drawn illustration, Papazian depicts a scenario where wealthy second-home owners abandon the area after their mega-mansions are destroyed. This creates an opportunity for the community to rezone areas around village centers for denser, more affordable housing. By 2040, prebuilt homes are trucked in and installed on the foundations of burned-out mansions, dubbed "Phoenix Houses."

    Papazian's goal was to spark a conversation about the need for diverse, inclusive housing in the Hamptons, rather than submitting another high-end project. He hopes his entry will encourage people to think beyond luxury developments and consider what kind of housing is needed to support a vibrant community.

    As an architect with 24 years of experience, including 12 in the Hamptons, Papazian has witnessed firsthand how development is changing the character of the region. He believes there's room for smart, well-designed housing that prioritizes community over luxury, and hopes his entry will inspire others to think differently about the future of the Hamptons.

    Papazian emphasized that his intention was not to offend anyone, but rather to start a conversation about the need for more inclusive and equitable housing in the area. His protest entry joins other submissions in the awards competition, which are reviewed by jurors and exhibited during the ceremony.