Introduction

For this week’s project, the aim was to create a new urban space within an existing location in Dundee. This space should either get people more active and moving or give the public a space to reflect and contemplate. The project also themes around social connectivity and the way in which we as people interact with technology, our surroundings and each other. The final outcome of the project is a 150x150mm model of the re-designed space which can be placed alongside the models created by my classmates to create a miniature city of public spaces.

Exploration

To kick off the project, we set about in teams to each explore an existing public space within Dundee. Our group was tasked with the City Square. A large empty space occupied by two ornate fountains to one side, some picnic benches and a few pigeons.

I instantly knew this area needed change to get people using the space and interacting with their surroundings as opposed to walking around the outside of the square. No one appears to enjoy walking across the square as it feels intimidating being the only person out in the open.

What to Change

I wanted to remove the fear of using the space and hopefully encourage more people to explore the city by creating a feature in the centre of the square. Inspired by the city’s growing creative output and the buskers on the street, I wanted to create a multipurpose performance area. This could encourage the growth of small independent music, theatre and performing clubs and groups. I also wanted the space to incorporate lighting and movement to make people explore the space when there are no performances or exhibitions on.

To create a performance stage, incorporating lighting and movement I decided on a curved, tunnel-like structure to not only enclose a small area for performances, but to allow people to walk through the tunnel and experience the lighting and make the most of the space.

I also researched the current uses for the square, which occasionally holds farmers markets, festivals and demonstrations and so as a final feature of design, I want the space to be movable to allow for these much larger events.

Design + Build

I sketched out some shapes that the final outcome could take and decided on a gently curved form, keeping the performing area open, allowing for a larger number of spectators.

While designing, I realised that a solid tunnel structure would be quite intimidating to walk through, potentially making people feel claustrophobic and nervous. I then proceeded to changed the design so the tunnel was split into smaller sections to allow light and air to pass through, which also eases with physically moving the structure. I also added a glass ceiling to the middle segment of the curve, inspired by the old underground entrance, so that more light enters the tunnel and people can see the Caird Hall from within.

I started off with a couple of prototypes to get a feel for the space in three dimensions. The first allowed me to see the overall shape and layout of the sections. This led me to change the width of some of the segments and reduce the overall length to something I was happier with.

The second was a rough version of the centre segment, to see how I could construct a curved tunnel with a transparent ceiling. I then decided to use paper board in for the final model as opposed to corrugated cardboard, to ease in construction as the material is much thinner and can be made into curved sections easily.

Outcome

The final model is constructed from paper board cut into strips then curved and glued into place. I felt this was the best means of producing my idea in the given time frame as it was fairly quick and easy to manipulate.

The model effectively communicates the ideas I had for the project, incorporating the performance area and interactive light tunnel with glass ceiling. However, I was unable to show the lighting intended for the inside and outside of the tunnel but with more time and electronic experience I feel I could create a basic illuminated model to properly realise the space.

Overall, this project was a great insight into the public spaces that surround us and how we as people choose whether to interact with them or not. I also feel I have a deeper understanding of the design choices put into successful spaces and how they can be used to create a stronger community.