Being inspired by the book “Invisible Cities”, our concept is trying to redefine the form of open space in a metaphorical way. Selecting campus as the site, an invisible plaza is created by re-organizing the spatial prototypes.
Third Award | RTFA 2017 Awards
Category: Urban Design (Concept)
Participant Name: YU-ROU LI
Country: Taiwan
![Invisible Plaza - a Metaphor of Public Space in Campus (1)](https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Invisible-Plaza-a-Metaphor-of-Public-Space-in-Campus-1-1024x724.jpg)
One of the characteristics of traditional public space is enclosure, therefore, this design takes advantage of different materials and irregular elements to re-organize the open space of campus. The ideas of the metaphorical method aim at eliminating the traditional hard boundaries, raising openness, visibility and ambiguity of the space.
![Invisible Plaza - a Metaphor of Public Space in Campus (2)](https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Invisible-Plaza-a-Metaphor-of-Public-Space-in-Campus-2-1024x724.jpg)
There are three elements of traditional open space, mentioned by Camillo Sitte:
- Enclosure boundary (hard space)
- Public activities (function of open space)
- Arrangement of perspective (urban scenery effect)
In our design strategy, the public open space is expressed by a metaphorical method. Transparence and openness of the space could be realized through visual penetration and overlap of layout.
![Invisible Plaza - a Metaphor of Public Space in Campus (3)](https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Invisible-Plaza-a-Metaphor-of-Public-Space-in-Campus-3-1024x724.jpg)
To express the three elements of traditional open space, we try to realize a free and invisible public open space by changing materials and reorganizing different elements. Metaphorical expression in physical form gives our public space more “signifié” values: transparence, openness, penetration, ambiguity and overlap.
![Invisible Plaza - a Metaphor of Public Space in Campus (4)](https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Invisible-Plaza-a-Metaphor-of-Public-Space-in-Campus-4-1024x724.jpg)
– Using irregular and transparent materials to define the hard interface for the reason of obscuring the traditional boundary
– Providing function of activity by using different elements
– Combining the facade of building with the perspective of campus
– Integrating the elements into the surroundings
If you’ve missed participating in this award, don’t worry. RTF’s next series of Awards for Excellence in Architecture & Design – is open for Registration.
Click Here