PROPOSAL FOR A RE-DEFINITION OF PUBLIC AND RESIDENTIAL LEVELS ON THE PIAZZA AT SCHMIDTS
Francesco Sgrazzutti, Architect | 1131 N Hancock St, Philadelphia, PA, 19123 | cell. 215 3708093 | francesco_sgrazzutti@hotmail.com
PROPOSAL FOR A RE-DEFINITION OF PUBLIC AND RESIDENTIAL LEVELS ON THE PIAZZA AT SCHMIDTS Philadelphia, September 14th, 2009
Dear Mr. Blatstein, Thank you for the great conversation we had the last time we met. During our meeting in your office we talked about the many good qualities of the Piazza and we also agreed on the fact that the transition between the retail level and the residential level is too subtle. In
order
to
explicitly
express
and
differentiate the ambits of commercial and residential realms I’d suggest two possible approaches: 1. Distinction of the retail level
from
residential
the level
through the insertion of
an
element
separation. 2|Page
of
This intervention consists of a horizontal separation of the public level of the piazza from
the
upper
levels
through
an
installation consisting in a cable net. Like a screen, this very light and transparent ceiling at the level of the second floor would articulate the big volume above the piazza in: - public - under - and residential - above while maintaining its visual unity. The net could be equipped with artificial lighting for its visibility at night. The lighting should
be
supplement
distributed the
existing
in
order one,
to
where
needed, and accentuate the concentration of public activities.
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2. Accentuation of the first floor through the re-definition
of
the
retail faรงade.
This intervention brings the faรงade of the shops to a more formal level. A coated steel portal will act as a transitional element extending each shop into the space of the piazza. Precisely, it will give form to and will define the space for the act of looking at the goods, which is different from walking in the piazza and not yet entering the store. While inviting the observer to come closer it also provides shelter and comfort.
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The succession of portals will combine into a perspective unifying the commercial floor while emphasizing the presence of shops. The horizontal member of the portal will work as a light-shelf projecting the natural light further inside the shops during the day, while its lower face, as a reflector, will carry the light from the shops further in the piazza at night.
The above mentioned two approaches can be used alternatively or in combination.
Please let me know what you think of these ideas. Sincerely,
Francesco Sgrazzutti 1131 N Hancock Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19123 Cell. 215 3708093 francesco_sgrazzutti@hotmail.com
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