Giuseppe MeccaCONCEPT -
The project is aiming to realize a SQUARE SPACE able to attract the curiosity of visitors, trying to design a small icon in a city full of historical and significant buildings.
A scenic element capable to transform the area in a vibrant space which can offer different ways to living the lakefront.
The project proposes a simple volume that can increase or decrease, to easily accommodate different types of activities: recreational, commercial, social, cultural, educational. A SQUARE SPACE capable to become something completely different from its original form in a easy way, merging with the surrounding open space.- Giuseppe Mecca
DESIGN, METHODS AND ASPIRATION -
According to the competition brief, the necessity is to design a small volume capable to receive different types of functions. The solution can be to find a way to expand the small surface of the SQUARE SPACE more than its 200 square feet. The surface in its most simple geometric shape is divided by some diagonal cuts capable to extend the volume in different useful ways.
The elements arising from the cuts are made to slide between each other to create new shapes according their different positions. In this way it is possible to create outdoor spaces interspersed with built elements; the interior building space and exterior surrounding area blend together.
The small square space will expands to accommodate public and recreational activities; it will stay more compact for activity who need insulation; it will be completely closed during the inactivity period to be totally vandal-proof.
Inner lining is made by an electrical LED system located on the inner walls and on the ceiling.
The difference between the outer surface and the inner light, transforms the kiosk in a colored magic light box; a kind of small beacon that lights the lakefront during the night. The LED system fixed all around the internal surface transform walls into lighting surfaces, both when the volume is closed or when its elements are opened. In this way, the project seeks to enhance the area even during the night with the possibility to accommodate exhibitions or other kinds activities like disco-bar etc.
- METERIALS, TECHNOLOGICAL SYSTEMS AND SUNSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES - The elements that make up the SQUARE SPACE have a structure built with metal frames. The sliding mechanism is realized with linear metal binary placed along the outer perimeter on the top and bottom of each element. Each element is equipped with multifunction industrial wheels for lifting and leveling of the modules. The total flow of the wheels for each element is more than 10,000 lb; it makes these more stable during sliding. These mechanical system allows to easily separate modules for transport.
The project seeks to manage available resources responsibly using steel as the bearing structure system to allows minimal use of material.
The surface of the outer coating is composed of high efficiency colored panels, multi junction type, with estimated over 20% efficiency panel based on less than 1/10 of solar cells used in similar size.
Panel only capture visible light, thus reducing heat pressure on the solar panel and eliminating the need for a cooling mechanism; it use diffused light instead of direct sunlight to provide more hours of production. It eliminates the need for a tracking system and does not restrict the panels to rooftops. Therefore, the panel modules can use segments of cracked or chipped cells without sacrificing results. Panels are made of common, non toxic, and inexpensive materials.
Photo-voltaic panels placed on the outer surface allow to feed the electrical system making the kiosk energy self-sufficient and therefore more sustainable.
The interior lining is made of a lighting system LED panels. They are thin, resistant and lightweight sources of light that may be used to illuminate the surface itself and, in conjunction with animated graphics or films, to provide illuminated pictures or signs.
LED panels turn all the inner surface into a light source. They are resistant to impact, vibration, cuts and perforations, friendly and degradable.
All the materials and the technological systems used are chosen to minimize the environmental impact; moreover the finishing materials are totally recyclable.
