Architecture project // Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Façades Defining a Multi-Use Urban Space

Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Façades Defining a Multi-Use Urban Space

Authors:

Mauro Moro, Asile Wong, Ellyn Tien

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and expansive glass façades, the design creates a cohesive urban environment that seamlessly integrates community spaces with educational functions.

5 key facts about this project

Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.

Features large glass façades that maximize natural light and visual connectivity with the surroundings.

Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to promote sustainability and reduce carbon footprint.

Designed with a bent A-frame structure to create dynamic interior spaces and visual interest.

Includes integrated landscapes that enhance biodiversity and encourage community interaction.

General keywords

urban cultural communal education landscaping multi-use interactive sustainability garden historical

Project specific keywords

transparency steel glass rooftop flexibility artwork community open-plaza landform cultural-narrative

### Overview

Located in an urban environment that reflects the complexities of contemporary life, the design known as "Past Present" intricately weaves together modern aesthetics with a respect for historical narratives. The intent is to create a space that invites user engagement and interaction while addressing the evolving relationship between architectural form and its surrounding context.

### Spatial Strategy

The project's conceptual framework revolves around the exploration of dual temporalities—past and present—through distinct architectural actions: Shift, Elevate, and Peel. "Shift" facilitates user movement and reorientation within the structure, enhancing spatial perception. "Elevate" emphasizes vantage points, allowing users to appreciate both the architectural interior and its urban surroundings. "Peel" conveys a sense of discovery, revealing layers of historical context that foster a dialogue between the built environment and its locale.

The design features a carefully organized spatial hierarchy. The basement accommodates utility and meeting spaces, while the ground level serves as a communal hub with an open plaza that encourages pedestrian flow. Subsequent levels house diverse functions, including cultural exhibition spaces and classrooms, structured to facilitate dynamic programming. A rooftop garden strategically connects inhabitants with nature and improves thermal efficiency, providing a lush retreat and enhancing the overall user experience.

### Materiality and Integration

A thoughtful selection of materials defines the project's character and functionality. Glass predominates in the façade, promoting transparency and visual connectivity between indoor and outdoor areas. The use of metal in structural elements introduces strength and modernity, while warm wooden accents in interior spaces create a comforting contrast. Concrete bases the design within its urban context, symbolizing stability, while landscape elements contribute to biodiversity and soften architectural lines.

Unique aspects of the design include the incorporation of mural-like artworks on the façade, which narrate local stories and reflect the cultural context of the area. Public engagement is prioritized through accessible community spaces, ensuring the design resonates with contemporary urban living, where connectivity and interaction are critical.