2010

THERE:

Increasing social cohesion through urban design







THERE is a conceptual design of a communal gathering area designed to increase the social cohesion in public spaces in informal urban contexts.

To support local entrepreneurs, a waste incinerator generates heat from burning waste that is collected from the neighbourhood. This heat warms up a stove that can be used for cooking, offering local street vendors a place to cook and sell their food.
Hanging shelves create either benches or tables, easily adjustable by ropes and a pulley system. The bamboo shelves can be tied to the floor to form steady surfaces. Because of this high degree of customization, THERE serves as a central meeting point for the community, adaptable for different situations. This adaptable public space forms a meeting place designed to allow people to enjoy food, theater, movies or games.