Anné van der Hoven

Architecture of the interface

Engaging architecture with a long neglected public space: the street

The project set out to develop a non-typological approach to public space in a poly-centric city. The principle of third space was used to conceptualise an interface for public life that would potentiate both public and private realms, and mitigate the issues currently related to contemporary public space.The notion of third space was also considered for the project's programmatic response in order to achieve an authentic urban experience.In essence a bridge between industrial typology and retail space was proposed to remedy the state of the unconscious consumer as well as establish the cross-fertilisation that occurs when a larger demographic of users are present.

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The project manifesto, aimed at generating a holistic understanding of sustainability, resulted in a design underpinned by the act of knowledge transfer. Knowledge transfer motivated the design to include exposed systems, processes and raw materials that would instil education through experiences and engagement between nature, craftsman and user. From material use to the functionality of systems became part of the project discussion to mitigate a social and environmental blindness caused by the current public space typology. Ultimately, the project’s practical implementation toward knowledge transfer provided a new sense of direction of public space indispensable to the vitality and longevity of public life within a city.