Cultural history always has shown a markedly interest in imagining the primordial manifestation of architecture.
This quest often revolved around the idea of protection for people and could be summarized in the physical action of "covering" a space.
Since decades now several less physical ingredients have been discovered in order to introduce other architectural properties and characteristics such as heating, lighting, accumulate information or convoke people.
We propose to construct a basic manifest of contemporary architecture. The trees that have welcomed us on the site are already part of the project.
The ground level will be transformed into a neutral background ready to be re-utilized and conquered by daily activities. The pavement will be made of a single material but in different colors and textures.
Some of its pieces emerge and remain elevated stimulating various uses such as sitting, lying down, meeting others or connecting through a series of benches, tables or 'urban altars'.
The only thing left is to conquer the air: a big weightless object that lights, heats, informs, makes sounds and emits programmed odors or provides free Wi-fi connection to the passerby.
Three poles supporting the structure at the height of the treetops. During the day, the ground takes all the action while the floating element will be recognized only by its reactions and emissions than by its physical presence.
At night emerges artificial light without revealing how its source is suspended and the ground remains dimmed out. Both devices are treated individually in geometry and spirit: paving the ground and accouter energetically are to transform the new structure into a contemporary urban refuge.
The dream of a M.A. Laugier transposed into the 21st century meets a historic city in transformation. Past, present and future coincide at a key point of the country's recent democratic movement.
Location: Gwangju, South Korea Architect: Herreros Arquitectos Project Director: Jens Richter Project Team: Margarita Martinez, Gonzalo Rivas Zinno Local Architects: D'espacio architects Structure: Thekujo Engineering Inc / Park byungsoon Construction: Hajung Engineering and Construction Inc. Area: 460 m2 Photo: Kim jongho, Park joohyun