MOBILE GATHERING SPACE
In an urban, dense environment, social and civic establishments struggle to have outdoor gathering spaces. Sidewalk depth often restricts these businesses from capturing a place where people can get out and interact with others, and the environment on a beautiful day. These spaces have huge value for both the vitality of an establishment and for the human experience.
Some cities, primarily European, have a culture of commandeering the equivalent of a parallel parking space to create outdoor seating for restaurants. This is an excellent example of quality over quantity and maximizing space. They are intimate, engaging, comfortable and purposeful.
The issue in most American cities is that municipalities are reluctant to give up space permanently. Parking is too valuable. But what if the space is mobile? What if it is only used during the comfortable months… and only during peak use hours. In addition to restaurants, there are other establishments that can benefit from small, contained, outdoor spaces. There is also the potential for this to be taken to another level through modern, sustainable design. This can be a holistic experience that engages all five senses within the boundaries of a parallel parking space.
Is it a structure, a product, a space, a landscape or a graphic? If it’s good, it’s all of these and more.
ASSIGNMENT: Design a Mobile Gathering Space associated with an urban, social place/business: restaurant, coffee shop, library, or gathering place for social games (dominos, chess, checkers)
CRITERIA:
- Limited to 10′-O”x20′-0″ – The equivalent of a parallel parking spot
- Pre manufactured, either as a whole unit or a kit of parts
- Communicate a connection with the place and creates a unique experience.
- Incorporates aspects of communication, play, eat, drink, read, lounge that relate to the associated establishment.
