CONCENTRICO 09

Project Details

THEME : URBAN GADGET

CATEGORY: FINALIST

COLLABORATOR: CONCENTRICO

DATE: 2023

Concéntrico is the International Festival of Architecture and Design held annually in Logroño, Spain.

The festival's primary aim is to contemplate the urban environment and the city itself. By inviting visitors to explore the city through installations, exhibitions, meetings, activities, and performances, the festival creates a profound connection with the venues, squares, streets, courtyards, and hidden spaces that often go unnoticed in daily life. 

Since its inception in 2015, the festival has presented nine editions that have collectively showcased more than 100 urban interventions.

These interferences are crafted by teams of national and international architects and designers who delve into uncharted territories of environmental design. Through this collaborative effort, a captivating dialogue emerges between the city, its heritage, and contemporary architectural expressions, triggering citizens to reflect upon these spaces.


THE DEVICE AT THE PLAZA

/ OPEN AND CLOSED POSITIONS/



URBAN LANDSCAPE: A PLAYFUL INTERVENTION ENRICHING PUBLIC SPACES

In the bustling urban fabric, where fleeting festivals and temporary pavilions often leave a transient mark, emerges a unique proposition – an enduring urban device that seamlessly integrates into the fabric of the place. This innovative concept presents an interactive chessboard, a plaza-sized game that transcends the realm of traditional static installations, offering a dynamic and participatory experience for both neighbors and visitors alike.


SHIFTING FROM STATIC TO DYNAMIC

Unlike conventional art installations that stand aloof, frozen in their aesthetics, this intervention challenges the notion of art as a distant, untouchable object. It takes the form of a lively organism, a mosaic of diverse components and extremities, ready to engage and interact at a moment's notice. Far from the realm of Instagram-able backdrops, this initiative prompts a meaningful, hands-on engagement that defies the boundaries of traditional art.


PLAZA AS A PLAYGROUND OF IMAGINATION

Central to the concept is the plaza itself – a canvas for playful interactions and joyful celebrations. The urban landscape transforms into a life-sized chessboard, inviting residents and visitors to become participants in an unfolding game. This is more than just a game; it's a revival of the spirit of childhood playgrounds, reminding everyone that public spaces are extensions of our collective memory, ready to be enlivened with laughter and camaraderie.


ANATOMY OF THE INTERVENTION

The structural skeleton of the intervention is composed of sturdy metal frames, serving as a canvas for the wooden panels that assume roles akin to petals, wings, and skin. When opened, the structure reveals an array of playful gadgets that invite people to explore the plaza in an entirely new way. The pieces are meticulously designed to explore the delicate equilibrium between stability and movement, offering an array of possibilities for entertainment and engagement.


CONTEXTUAL ROOTS AND CREATIVE FREEDOM

In the heart of this intervention lies a delicate balance between contextual reverence and creative freedom. The design echoes the identity and heritage of the Plaza de Escuelas Trevijano, acting as a mirror to the surrounding facades. This mimicry not only pays homage to the existing built form but also injects a refreshing dynamism into the space. Much like a versatile toy, this installation allows for endless rearrangements, fostering a sense of ownership and creative expression within the community.


BEYOND STATIC FORMS

The intervention stands as a testament to the power of play and interaction in redefining public spaces. By shifting the narrative from passive observers to active participants, this urban landscape intervention enriches the cultural tapestry of the city. It invites individuals to embark on a journey of rediscovery, fostering a deeper connection between people, spaces, and the memories they collectively create.


1/ DIAGRAMS OF OCCUPATION

2/ DEPLOYMENT OF COMPONENTS