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Jacaranda Avenue
Jacaranda Avenue
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Other Projects by blank studio design + architecture
Jacaranda Avenue
STATUS
Concept
What is Phoenix?
This proposal aims to craft unique corridors of inhabitable, comfortable, public space within our city, adapting areas that are part of the existing transportation infrastructure (streets), rather than requiring parcels (blocks) appropriated as destinations.
A Japanese word, komorebi, describes the ephemeral dappling of sunlight beneath a tree canopy. We asked what could happen if this dappled shade condition was generated over large swaths of this Sonoran Desert city. We propose a framework spanning our wide streets creating an armature to suspend thick strands of natural fiber rope – sisal rope (2” diameter, lengths up to 25’ at the assembly center). This natural fiber is lightweight, durable, warm in tone, and repairable or replaceable as it weathers with age. This cloud-like fabrication would reduce the initial intensity of the sunlight by more than half. The material is attached rigidly to the framework; however, the coiled fiber extensions sway gently below. Not a rigid canopy, the form becomes more reminiscent of a field of swaying grasses or the kinetic sculptures of artists Ned Kahn or Christo + Jeanne-Claude.
Below this 'cloud,' the streets now belong wholly to the pedestrian. Only mass transit exists within these corridors, no cars. Dense ribbons of fragrant flora supplant former asphalt drive lanes. Bioswale channels collect and direct precious rainfall. Graywater waste from adjacent buildings support the extensive plantings. Riparian habitats are encouraged, and urban wildlife will take hold. Comfortable, walkable public space now contains the amenities of urban life: cafes, playgrounds, sculpture gardens and art displays, markets, film screenings, and so on.
If Phoenix is intense sun and unyielding heat, then the essence of Phoenix is the sudden, fragrant saturation following rain. The aroma of creosote and sage, steaming asphalt, and moistened soils, this essence forms the very basis of next Phoenix.
This proposal aims to craft unique corridors of inhabitable, comfortable, public space within our city, adapting areas that are part of the existing transportation infrastructure (streets), rather than requiring parcels (blocks) appropriated as destinations.
A Japanese word, komorebi, describes the ephemeral dappling of sunlight beneath a tree canopy. We asked what could happen if this dappled shade condition was generated over large swaths of this Sonoran Desert city. We propose a framework spanning our wide streets creating an armature to suspend thick strands of natural fiber rope – sisal rope (2” diameter, lengths up to 25’ at the assembly center). This natural fiber is lightweight, durable, warm in tone, and repairable or replaceable as it weathers with age. This cloud-like fabrication would reduce the initial intensity of the sunlight by more than half. The material is attached rigidly to the framework; however, the coiled fiber extensions sway gently below. Not a rigid canopy, the form becomes more reminiscent of a field of swaying grasses or the kinetic sculptures of artists Ned Kahn or Christo + Jeanne-Claude.
Below this 'cloud,' the streets now belong wholly to the pedestrian. Only mass transit exists within these corridors, no cars. Dense ribbons of fragrant flora supplant former asphalt drive lanes. Bioswale channels collect and direct precious rainfall. Graywater waste from adjacent buildings support the extensive plantings. Riparian habitats are encouraged, and urban wildlife will take hold. Comfortable, walkable public space now contains the amenities of urban life: cafes, playgrounds, sculpture gardens and art displays, markets, film screenings, and so on.
If Phoenix is intense sun and unyielding heat, then the essence of Phoenix is the sudden, fragrant saturation following rain. The aroma of creosote and sage, steaming asphalt, and moistened soils, this essence forms the very basis of next Phoenix.
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