Objective
GAIN a comprehensive understanding of collaborative design principles within a community context.
EXPLORE stakeholder engagement techniques to assess current usage and gather input for design improvements.
DEVELOP innovative solutions that incorporate sustainable practices and local materials.
CULTIVATE collaborative skills through group work, leveraging collective knowledge in the design process.
ENHANCE communication skills through effective presentation, visual representation, and networking with community members and potential collaborators.
LEARN the practical skills necessary for the production of full-scale urban furniture, from initial design to fabrication and installation.
Context : Site
Site : Mare de Déu dels Àngels School, Barcelona
We got divided into 3 groups and each group analyzed and designed for each of the schools.
Our group was assigned the SECONDARY SCHOOL.
Selecting the Terrace
Why the central terrace
- Centrally located
- Accessible
- Proximity to vending machine and bathroom
- Access via ramp
- Shaded
Movement Mapping and Analysis
The objective of the activity was to observe the movement of boys and girls separately to understand how the space is being utilized by both the genders.
It is quite evident that the spatial equity both in terms of function and gender is highly contrasting. As this terrace is used to play football by more than 40 students during the break, the space is dominated by the boys while the girls stay closer to the boundaries/ ramp/ stairs.
Student – Activity Diagram
We analyzed how different groups ranging from 2 students to 30 students use the space and congregate. Based on the student activity graph it is evident that irrespective of the gender, there is no safe space for the students to sit and eat or talk or play other games. They either sit on the stairs, ramp or on the ground which is cold and dirty.
Collaborative Workshops
To understand our end users better, we conducted several workshops and a curated survey with the students.
The survey was conducted digitally with 20 simple and direct questions, receiving about 250 responses. The questions included topics like favorite childhood games, current favorite activities, what students do during recess, and their favorite spots on the terrace. This gave us insight into the students’ preferences and interests. We also surveyed teachers to gather suggestions for improving the terrace.
The workshop was conducted in person at the school with three groups of students comprising of 30 students each.
Activity 1 : Place post it notes anywhere on the terrace based on the given two questions. The students were also asked to write down the reason on the note along with their gender. The following was the result of Activity 1.
Activity 2 : The students were asked to arrange chairs how ever they wished provided 10 students have to sit together.
Design Values Benchmark
As a class we did a comprehensive research of what kids – teenagers need in a space. We based our research on articles provided by UNICEF, WHO, etc and came up with a spectrum of categories. We then compared the site – which is the terrace play ground and evaluated the space according to the categories. This along with all the analysis done so far helped us understand our key design principles .
Design Approach
- To facilitate restful play
- Improve social interaction
- To create a comfortable environment to sit
- To improve spatial equity
Inspiration
Kengo Kuma’s Wooden Mountain is a multi-tiered, timber-clad structure that blends architecture with nature, inspired by traditional Japanese wooden design. Its layered, sloping form mimics a mountain, creating a harmonious balance between the built environment and the natural landscape. Functionally, it serves as a versatile public space, fostering community engagement while integrating sustainability through its use of natural materials.
The Design : Log Seats
The design evolved through many iterations of logs and lattices into a modular elevated log seat bench. The main idea was to have different levels of modular seating using tree trunks (sourced from Valldaura Estates).
Construction
The Installation
