heterotopia [competition]

2016

competition

the concept of pedestrian area beautification


HETEROTOPIA. STREAM

The ideas presented here are inspired by reflections on spaces of repose within urban environments.

Despite its current state of desuetude, this urban fragment, juxtaposed with the railway and paralleled by industrial buildings, possesses the potential to become a focal point – a mere separation and transformation of the space is required.


SEPARATION
A symbolic isolation from Electrolyte Drive is achieved by constructing a modest retaining wall up to the level of the existing site plane.
It is interrupted only in three places to accommodate a main staircase and two additional ones, providing access and egress.

Along the outer edge of the retaining wall, shrubbery is planted at a distance of 1200 mm, spanning its entire length.

This will offer comfort and help mitigate the noise from passing vehicles.

The border along the slope of the railway consists of railings – metal rods (H2400) inserted into plates of light concrete.

Horizontally embedded into the slope, these rods, at a length of 2400 mm, create a natural cascade with a 150 mm elevation difference – a human-friendly ergonomic approach.

This structure serves two purposes – isolating the slope and providing spaces for benches, plants, and loungers during the warmer months.

Over time, ivy or wild grapevines will grow on the fence, enhancing comfort, protecting against dust, and insulating from passing trains' noise.


TRANSFORMATION
Functionally, the area is divided into several zones: a sports area, a children's playground, the main square, and a promenade.

However, to unify such an elongated stretch of land, a singular thematic thread is essential – this role is fulfilled by the stream, the most vital element within this territory.

For the delight of the people, it is complemented by simple and comprehensible symbols – a solitary vertical fountain on the main square (where the land has a horizontal plane, initiating its flow) and an observation tower in the northern part of the territory, located near a small receiving water feature reflecting its silhouette.

Thanks to the stream, organically flowing through natural slopes in P-shaped concrete gutters, a promenade is created along the embankment. Strolls take on a new meaning, allowing for an extended walk within the territory without leaving it, using numerous islets that double as bridges.

Apart from the soothing effect for observers, the sound of flowing water serves another crucial purpose – combating excessive noise pollution on the territory. Along the embankment, on grassy lawns, numerous comfortable resting places are provided – benches, seats, and loungers.

Technically, the water feature represents a simple closed circulating system. In the lower water body, water is pumped through a pipe to the main square, where it participates in the fountain stream before descending through an open gutter. In summer, water evaporation will create a pleasant microclimate, assisting people in enduring the summer in the city.

In winter, the gutter can be closed with shields to create one of the city's longest slides.

The tower in the northern part visually compensates for the relief descent and serves as a delight for people. Before the tower, to the left of the lower entrance, restrooms are situated.

On the central square, there are small cafes, tables, chairs, and benches. For children, there are slides, swings, playhouses, and a labyrinth. For sports enthusiasts, there are ping-pong tables, parallel bars, and trampolines.

A few self-sown plants may need trimming, but more trees and plants will be planted.


ps/ It seems to me that this will bring a bit more joy to people's lives