Space + Partners
Space in architecture is equally as important as the use it provides. Its proximity and exposure to elements creates an impact on its potential. Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal are examples of visionaries who create malleable space intended to provide flexibility to its users. This generation of "space" shapes the built environment. In an attempt to revitalize a 1960's tower block in Paris nicknamed "Alcatraz", Lacaton and Vassal began a process to renovate the decaying building mainly through the expansion of floor plates outwards increasing the size of room as well as creating new balconies. This expansion of "space" creates a cohabitation between users and the outdoors, generates more natural light in the rooms, and unites the building to city of Paris. The supplemental space, while not great in size, creates an experience that is immeasurable.
Great precedent Eric. I appreciate the post and the example of how a 'maybe not' so programed extra space in a design can make a big change. Additional (even unprogrammed) shared spaces are an interesting concept to see what events may arise from these spaces. It makes me wonder, if every building or housing structure had an unprogrammed space, what the residents may turn that space into. I understand your example is more thought out with their program, but what I'm getting at is what if there was just extra space for inhabitants to choose what they wanted to do with the space (with reasonable aspirations of course). This may be an interesting study to see how different users take advantage of such a public space and how these spaces change base on location, density, or culture.
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