INTD7331 PROJECT 2 – CAESARSTONE COMPETITION

Project Overview

Help people feel inclined to hop off their digital devices and reconnect with their surroundings by creating a space that makes people. My immediate first instinct was to figure out how to support a large structure like this. Thankfully, I didn’t have to worry too much about that, but I then had to face the next question…”How do I design an outdoor space that’s focus on the five senses in various different ways within the same location…above grass reeds

Problem Statement

Design a sensory-focused urban retreat at Emmarentia Dam, Johannesburg. The dam consists of two main elements, grass reeds and water. The retreat should consist of a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces that enable you to have a sensory experience. You are welcome to, but not obligated to use caesarstone as a material choice in this design. Help people feel inclined to hop off their digital devices and reconnect with their surroundings by designing a space that’s captivating. The Emmarentia Dam is open to the public, so there must be access for public and private transport options.

As part of the research, I completed a first-person observation at Green Point Park to immerse myself in a sensory experience. This experience influenced my spatial layout and the custom furniture designs for my final design solution. Throughout the year there’s hot summers with thunderstorms and cold, dry winters, which was my inspiration for using large skylight roofs and some wooden panels to provide shade and a bonus – semi-privacy within a public space for reflections, etc. I have strategically placed each sensory space into its respective category according to the strength/strongest sense within that particular spot.

The custom furniture pieces were designed to provide basic seating for all people, with the swings to add to the sensory experience. The built-in tables, chairs and stands (amphitheatre) were put in place for the general public to be able to eat and embrace each other’s company while also preventing theft of property and rough sleeping.