0.1 SITE EXPLORATION
0.1a URBAN PLAZA - WINTER WONDERLAND
0.1b FACADE STUDY
0.1c SITE DOCUMENTATION
0.2 URBAN INTERVENTION PHASE 1
0.3 URBAN INTERVENTION PHASE 11
0.1 SITE EXPLORATION Preston Street truly presents the aspect of discovery in Ottawa. The more you wander around within the streets of Little Italy, the greater the surprise you will find in the least expected places. My exploration of the site is illustrated within these photos, capturing the essence of the district through various moments. The notion of looking through different lens or frames and discovering an alternate perspective captivates the visitor to explore further.
0.1a URBAN PLAZA - WINTER WONDERLAND The snow and frost carve a different landscape across the Plaza, creating a magical winter wonderland where people can explore this blank canvas. The comopisition is held together by a discrete hexagon formation, softened by the gradual slopes and textures. The bridge and ramp elevate the visitor, moving them towards the center, where the bustling activity is present around the radial interlocking pattern. Shelters contain tables and benches for people to relax and enjoy the tranquil space, while being protected from the chill, also act as threshold for the side entrances adjacent to the bridge.
As visitors ascend onto the bridge, the bordering troughs act as fire pits to warm people up and get away from the frosty bite of winter. It can also be used as gardening pots during the summer or even lighting fixtures. The bridge also acts as a stage for performers. Whether it be concerts, talent shows, or even buskers, this multipurpose space brings new life to the Piazza.
0.1b FACADE STUDY
The Facade tends to unfold a story about the activity within the space. Through the various folds and voids in the facade, a simple plane is transformed into a complex system that dictates the spatial organization and orientation of the space inside. The notion of folding and bending is reflective of the characteristics of the papershop aspect of the building. The various geometric planes are very angular, yet give a sense of horizontal movement through the flow of planes and different voids.
0.1c SITE DOCUMENTATION To further elaborate on the notion of discovery within Little Italy, the site documentation uses various depictions to present this in an alternate perspective. Exploring the site at various hours throughout the day showed a contrast in the amount of activity present in the location. The nightlife was significantly more active than the day time, and the various interactions with people or spaces varied as well. An installation of the site analysis was created based on the various levels of interactive within the location. The first level was the various charcoal rubbings of textiles present on site, representing the direct human contact with the space. The next level is the various posters or ads stapled to the surfaces of buildings or poles, these depict the second level of activity. Lastly, the third level is the different found objects that illustrate a strong sense of the life and movement in Little Italy, which tells a story of its own. The various perspectives on the activity and movement within the site is formed by the different levels of interactions which are combined together to create an alternative experience of the site.
0.2 URBAN INTERVENTION PHASE 1 To further elaborate on the notion of discovery within Little Italy, the site documentation uses various depictions to present this in an alter
0.2 URBAN INTERVENTION PHASE 1 - DRAWINGS
0.2 URBAN INTERVENTION PHASE 11
SHIRLEY DUONG 2015