URBAN CHAMELEON

Academic Project

Individual Work

Installation Design

Dalian, Liaoning, China

Drawing inspiration from the chameleon’s remarkable ability to adapt its color and form to blend seamlessly into its environment, this project seeks to develop a versatile module capable of adjusting its material, size, and assembly method based on the specific scale, layout, and climate of a given space. With a focus on minimizing alterations to the existing environment, the goal is to create installations that foster meaningful interactions with their surroundings, cater to the unique characteristics of each site, invigorate urban vitality, and ultimately contribute to an elevated sense of happiness within the city.

Site Analysis

The experimental sites are situated in Dalian, my hometown, a city that harmoniously blends history and modernity. The representative area of Xi’an Road encompasses a diverse mix of new and old residential structures dating back to the 1940s, alongside shopping malls, factories, and various other establishments.

The Wang Family’s Daily Schedule

The Wangs live in an old-fashioned house built in 1970, on the west side of Xi’an Road.

Space Quality Analysis

Experimental Site

Residential Educational Office Building Commercial Industrial Parking Lot Greenbelt

Existing Challenges

Hospital

1.Workers in the area lack spaces tailored to their identity and interests for engaging in suitable activities;

2.The outdated and ill-maintained ancillary facilities of older residential areas fail to adequately protect residents’ well-being, with wild plants growing unchecked;

3.Open spaces within the new community are frequently misused for debris storage, negatively impacting the health and visual appeal of the surrounding environment;

4.Commercial and office buildings within the area suffer from a dearth of outdoor recreational spaces for employees and visitors to enjoy.

Quality Open Space

Neutral Open Space

Poorly Defined Open Space

Rotating Cube

1.Take a generic cube

The Rotating Cube creates a compelling spatial experience that encourages visitors to explore their own inner sanctuary. A diverse array of geometric forms and materials are integrated to accommodate various activities, such as contemporary mirrored promenades, interactive children’s play areas with Lego-inspired walls, and versatile planting beds with multi-faceted configurations.

Taking into account the preferences of retirees who enjoy gardening in compact, traditional residential settings, these innovative planting beds are thoughtfully situated within such neighborhoods. This approach maximizes the available horticultural space without compromising natural light penetration, effectively transforming underutilized areas into thriving green pockets park.

Project Test Area Connection

Surrounding Area Points of View

Project Test Area

Chameleon Umbrella

The chameleon’s eyes, with their remarkable ability to rotate 360 degrees, adapt seamlessly to their surroundings. Drawing inspiration from this unique feature, Chameleon Umbrella incorporates a dynamic, rotating disc mechanism. Utilizing transparent tensile membranes, like the chameleon’s adaptive coloration, the disc can be adjusted according to the direction and intensity of light. This innovative approach to landscape architecture generates a continuously evolving visual experience, creating enchanting, ever-changing effects within the environment.

The eco-friendly design of Chameleon Umbrella allows for efficient rainwater harvesting from its upper surface. Collected rainwater is channeled through a system of pipelines and directed to a water storage unit. This stored water is then used to supply the lower planting discs, promoting sustainable irrigation practices and fostering lush, healthy vegetation

Connection

Points of View

Nylon rope Material: Residential Area Mirror Material: Commercial Area

The installation not only offers shade and recreational amenities but also establishes a stylish and captivating urban space. The adaptive canopy system, an innovative feature, provides protection during inclement weather by extending a covered walkway that seamlessly guides visitors into the heart of the shopping complex. By merging functionality with aesthetic appeal, this landscape solution enhances the overall user experience and elevates the surrounding environment.