STATEMENT
This thesis project addresses the issue of unequal shade distribution in urban settings, with a focus on Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles.
Historically, Pershing Square was a vibrant public space with ample tree canopies providing shade. However, in an effort to improve public safety by eliminating visual barriers, the park was transformed into a sterile, sun-exposed plaza with a 5-story underground parking lot, diminishing its usability due to the harsh climate conditions of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles, a city known for its uneven distribution of shade, often reserves shaded areas for economically stronger districts, leaving other parts exposed to the sun, particularly where public right-of-way restrictions prevent the installation of shelters. Pershing Square epitomizes this issue, remaining exposed to sunlight for most of the day throughout the year.
The proposed solution is an adaptive pavilion with a dynamic canopy system, responsive to both environmental conditions and user preferences. This pavilion aims to restore shade to Pershing Square, making it a functional and inviting public space once again. The design process includes a detailed study of the site’s contextual needs, followed by experiments to determine appropriate joineries and develop patterns for a deployable structure that can provide shade effectively throughout the day.
weaponization of sunlight
PROVOCATION
shading engineering pattern porosity + coverage
urban environment
Stuti Chandra
We see shapes everyday, yet did you realize there is a psychology behind them?
Shape Psychology refers to the influence specific shapes have on people.
And as we have already established, geometric patterns are made up of different shapes.
Designers use shapes to:
- Symbolize ideas or concept
- Set a mood or emotion
- Create a travel path for the eye around the design
- Create depth or movement
- Connect content and imagery in a layout
- Reliability
- Stability
- Structure
- Order
- Authority
- Strength
- Security
- Completion
- Wholeness
- Harmony
- Creativity
- Community
- Femininity
- Movement
- Direction
- Power - Action
Fragmented Expression
Aiming to challenge conventional notions of symmetry and balance.
Visual Complexity
Used to create contrasting elements, juxtaposing rough and smooth surfaces or organic and geometric patterns, thereby intensifying the visual experience.
Material Exploration
Integrate various materials with different textures and patterns, such as smooth glass, rough concrete, or patterned metals, to create a diverse and visually rich composition.
Conceptual Representation
Incorporating specific textures or patterns to convey messages or symbolize abstract concepts.
Spatial Perception
Challenge the viewer's perception of space and form. Patterns can support this by blurring boundaries, distorting geometry, and creating an ambiguity of scale.
Dynamic Interaction
The play of light and shadow on textured surfaces creates ever-changing spatial experiences throughout the day. The fragmented patterns may also provoke curiosity and engage the viewer's attention, encouraging exploration and an interactive relationship with the architecture.
Stuti Chandra
Identity
Target
Environmental Target Stuctural Target
Concept Complementation
Stuti Chandra
PROJECTION
Concept
Dynamic canopy system
Responding to : Environmental conditions & User preferences
Creating a connection between the built environment and the natural world.
Key Features
Canopy structure with adjustable components responding to:
Sunlight Temperature
User
Dynamically altering the pattern and configuration of the canopy throughout the day.
Smart Material Integration
Smart materials that can change properties based on environment. Smart fabrics or responsive materials embedded within the canopy could adjust transparency, color, or shape in response to sunlight, creating a visually dynamic interplay between light and shadow.
Cultural Symbolism and Aesthetic Expression
Canopy design with patterns inspired by cultural symbols or historical motifs. Digitally manipulated and adapted, providing a contemporary aesthetic that reflects the fusion of cultural heritage and modern design sensibilities.
Sustainable Practices
Photovoltaic cells within the canopy to harness solar energy for powering lighting elements or other architectural features, promoting sustainability and energy efficiency.
User Interaction and Experience
Incorporating interactive elements. Participatory and personalized experience of the space.
Community Engagement
Cultural events, projections, or interactive displays
THE PROJECT
Adaptive Pavilion with dynamic Canopy Systems
Responds to environmental conditions and user preferences
Intergrating smart materials
Sustainable practices
Interactive elements
- Advanced Technologies
- Sustainability Considerations
- Understanding of cultural contexts
- Beyond mere aesthetic appeal
Outcome:
Innovative design
Sustainability
Blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces
Stuti Chandra
WHY?
You can’t install a shelter in most places without disrupting underground utilities, violating the ADA, or blocking driveway sightlines.
On some blocks, shade is basically outlawed.
“To the list environmental injustices in this country, we can add the unequal distribution of shade.”
-Sam Bloch
The difference in surface temperature between shaded and unshaded ground is 40 degrees
Why is there not enough shade?
Obstruction in the public right of way
Stuti Chandra
WHERE?
Critics call Pershing Square a concrete hell-scape, a confused collection of purple protuberances, a zone of repulsion with no shade, no place to sit, nothing to look at— just a flat slab over a parking garage.
Sunlight was weaponized to clear out the ‘deviates and criminals.’
Underground 5-level parking structure
Pershing Square was not so much a dangerous place anymore but it became sterile.
The access obstructions into the park curse the current design
Programming:
- Doesn't mean organizing big events
- Make sure there is always something going on (year round) Plazas have been proven to enhance local economic vitality, pedestrian mobility, access to public transit, and safety.
HOW?
Active Center of the city
Public Engagement
Visual and Physical Connections
Ambiance
Landscaping
Levels for space division
ADA Compliant
Gathering Area
Pedestrian-Oriented Retail
Street Furniture
Adequate Lighting (security)
Planters for rainwater absorption and avoid flooding
Performers / Entertainment Public Pool
Experiments for deployable structure
Stuti Chandra
Stuti Chandra
Stuti Chandra
Stuti Chandra Graduate Thesis 2024