Form + The 'Dead Zone'

The idea of a 'dead zone' has been studied extensively by Gil M. Doron, with a focus on the uses and performative aspects of these spaces. A dead zone is basically a large area of uninhabited space, which allows for scripted and unscripted activites and events to unfold. He believes that "as the landscape becomes more heterogeneous, so will the communities who inhabit the square", an idea I personally find very interesting, and intend to explore for this project.

Currently, the Howard Smith Wharves site consist largely of uninhabited space. We decided to channel this area into a defined area, which would eventually become two parts: A central square, and a performative alleyway. This offers visitors to the site an alternative movement route, as well as a dynamic, uninhabited space to allow these scripted and unscripted events to unfold. We intend to develop this 'dead zone' into an area which allows for events such as markets, community rallies, concerts and performances, film screenings, and many other social functions, based on the users occupying the site. 

Another design consideration we came to is the idea of locating the 'book boxes' outside the library. This encourages interaction between library users and the site, as well as removing the barrier between the physical collection of books and passer's by, fully integrating the design into the site. This would also allow for 24 hour access to the physical collection. A shade system would also be proposed, in order to shelter users from the elements when retrieving books. Each pillar of books would be watertight, and allowed to be submerged during times of flooding.

Architecturally, our search for form began with a program of the proposed site, and the potential activities we wished to include:

After optimising and stacking the program, then cutting out the proposed 'dead zone', we came to this rough form. Now to work out spatial allocations and functions.