The design centered around the Sansus Festival embraces the theme of encounters, enhancing social connections within its vibrant setting. The structure features a large roof that provides shelter while allowing for fluid movement among several caterer workspaces scattered below. This arrangement promotes engagement and a sense of community, inviting festival-goers to explore and interact with their surroundings.

Design Concept

At the heart of the design is the relationship between the roof and the designated volumes for food vendors. The roof hovers above, creating a protected space where visitors can move freely. By allowing easy access between the stalls, the layout encourages lively social interactions and accommodations for a variety of activities throughout the festival.

Spatial Interactions

The roof facilitates a conversation between inside and outside, enhancing the user experience. It offers a strategic blend of light and shadow, with openings allowing natural light to enter the area, revealing glimpses of the activities happening beneath. This thoughtful composition not only serves practical purposes but also enriches the overall visual impact of the festival environment.

Material and Aesthetic Integration

The design takes cues from traditional Latvian architecture, particularly in the deep pitches and wooden elements of the roof. A basic wooden frame supports the structure, allowing it to serve as both protection and a defining visual feature. Inside the canopy, the wooden volumes transition to polycarbonate panels, which act as light sources during the day and provide a warm glow at night, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Sensory Experience

The project effectively captures the essence of the festival through careful attention to sensory details. Various rhythms, materials, and interactions come together to form an engaging environment filled with sounds, smells, and activities. As visitors gather around food and entertainment, the design facilitates connections among people, making it a central feature of the festival landscape.

A notable detail of the design is the roof itself, which appears ready to embrace and welcome all who come to enjoy the celebration. It encourages exploration and interaction, fostering a lively environment rich with shared experiences.