This week, we were given the task of commenting on 3 given precedent projects. Urging us to think constructively and critically about our own options and design styles.
The first project is the Ocean County Library Plaza, in Toms River, New Jersey. Created by Mikyong Kim, the design was intended to be a public community space and a local landmark. The sculptural installation symbolises the knowledge and community-based functions that take place at the institution. And are designed to act as beacons, guiding visitors to the library entrance. Made of laser-cut steel, the lanterns are anchored within a courtyard directly, interacting with the adjoining street.
Personally, I like the concept however the execution is not quite to my taste. The lanterns themselves I find interesting, however, the paving is a bit clashing in my opinion. Just too convoluted and patched. I would also want to see more of the surrounding architectural motifs included in the materiality. The design on the lanterns is interesting, however, I would have preferred a more formal repeating brick style pattern to complement the redbrick building and Greecian style County Courthouse on the opposite side of the street. Or I would have designed them to match the shapes in the adjacent Clocktower windows.
The second project is The City Dune in København for SEB Bank. Created by SLA Architects, the design was intended to turn the bank's headquarters into an open, whimsical, and climate-adapted public place. Located near the harbourfront, the space is for both bank employees and local citizens to enjoy. It occupies the space that connects the two bank buildings. And as well as being a place for the employees at SEB Bank to socialize and eat their lunch, the City Dune also quickly become a popular place for the public to have recreational activities on both workdays and weekends.
Designed to encapsulate a Swedish mountainside, with a rising terrain that links the street level to the second floor. Including both steps and inclined surfaces that foster a new connection between the urban space and the two office buildings at varying levels. It is also constructed as a green roof on top of the bank's underground parking spaces.
The City Dune was also København's first climate-adapted urban space. With white concrete surfaces to reflect incoming insolation and heat, and rainwater collection that is used for irrigation and cooling in the summer. The Nordic vegetation and trees also help to provide shade on hot summer days and shelter when it rains. While retaining a strong and unique Nordic style and identity.
Personally, I really like this design. I am partial to the Scandinavian clean simple organic style. And am really fond of the applied nature-based mitigation solutions.
The third project is Tanner Springs Park, in Portland, USA. Created by Rambøll, a Danish consulting engineering group. Previously a wetland, the site was drained by the rail industry. However, the new design peeled back the skin of a 60x60m downtown block to create the park. Stormwater runoff is collected and fed into a natural water feature with a spring and nature-based cleansing system. The "Art Wall" recycles and showcases historic rail tracks, waving in and out and with inlaid, hand-painted, fused glass pieces featuring images of nature, created by Herbert Dreiseitl. The park attracts both people and wildlife, with ospreys spotted diving into the water, and art performances being held on the floating deck. The interactive elements allow children to splash about and explore, while also having space for others to take a break in quiet contemplation in a natural refuge.
Again, I am quite drawn to this project. It has a strong link to the surrounding site as well as a heavy focus on sustainability and the surrounding environment. There is such an attention to detail in the addition of the glass artwork pieces, and the use of old railway tracks creates a sense of genus locus. Retaining the history of the site whilst also bringing it into the modern era. I am also fond of the interactive elements that centre around the engagement of children. I am partial to any design that allows kids to experience nature in its many forms. Overall I find it a very engaging and well thought project.
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