Kaleidoscope
Installation
Harvard Grove Design Built Competition Finalist
In Collaboration With: Yanchen Liu, Feijiao Huo, Hanguang Wu, Chenyuang Gu
Introduction
Inspired by the sites location at the heart of Allston, we envisioned a space of encounter, a ground of interaction and a path of lingering for the neighborhood. Currently the Grove is a quiet oasis framed by busy streets and retail shops. The new pavilion seeks to resonant with the art scenes in the neighborhood, and more importantly act as an urban intensifier to bring in new life and energy. By reflecting the surroundings and framing the street views, the “Kaleidoscopes” will also be imprinted with the psyche and vigor of the locality.
THE PROCESS
01.
Context Research
We conducted extensive research on the history and demographic characteristics of the neighborhood.
02.
Intercept Surveys
We conducted two different sessions of in-person surveys on site, one during weekdays and one during weekends.
03.
Finding Concept
The concept finding process is iterative which is trying to achieve a fine balance between the tight timeline, constructability and temporality of the installation.
04.
Exhibition
In order to get more community feedback, we built a 1:1 scale prototype while display our design during a two-day project exhibition.
01. CONTEXT RESEARCH
The Context
Allston is younger, whiter and less Black and more Asian, and more educated than Boston on average. Nearly 65% of Allston’s residents fall into the 20-‐‑34 age range, rendering the neighborhood with the greatest share of young adults in Boston – beyond college students alone, the area draws many young professionals. On the other end of the age spectrum, manifesting itself in local demand for social services and commentary at local civic meetings, there is a trend towards “aging in place” in Allston. The Grove, located at the nexus of N. Harvard Street and Western Avenue in Allston, is part of the Zone 3 initiative. It has transformed a cluster of formerly under-utilized spaces into a vibrant hub of creativity and active space for community engagement.
02. Intercept Surveys
The Community
The survey findings have helped us learn more about the experience, perspectives, and desires of likely future users of the site and also they allow us to engage community members in the process, inviting them to participate later in public exhibitions and communications.
Finding 1
"We want an instagrammable place."
Finding 2
"I would like to have a place to find personal space or meet my friends."
03. CONCEPTS
Activity Durations of Different Users
The structure is a viewing channel composed of 208 modules of “Kaleidoscopes”. Each one serves as a reflector that reconstructs the reality with a slight visual distortion and coloring. They allow for the convergence of the urban context and the changing environment, which spurs a sense of curiosity of the neighborhood at this collective space. Walking through the Urban Kaleidoscope, the mirroring effect dissolves the structure and blends the exterior with the interior. The form of the structure encompases a passage and two semi-enclosure spaces. At either entrance, the passage frames the view of Allston urban life or landmarks, such as the Harvard stadium. The semi-enclosure space may be used as a public stage for the community festivals, concerts and gatherings.
04. Exhibition
Activity Durations of Different Users
THE DESIGN
SEASONAL CHANGES
The translucent mirror finish, the color-tempered surfaces, the varied sizes and orientations of the kaleidoscope portray an unexpected atmosphere from a familiar environment. In addition, the installation is also intended to be responsive to the seasonal changes in a year and time changes in a day. While vegetation sprouting, pedestrians passing by and new buildings arising in the neighborhood, the ever changing nature of the locality will be meticulously captured by the installation at every moment, composing a non-repetitive diary of the neighborhood evolution.
AN URBAN ENCOUNTER
As a new medium between body, space and the urban context, this composite kaleidoscope can be experienced from multiple dimensions. (Viewed) From afar on Western Ave or Harvard Street, it is a street-corner sculpture that crystalizes the urban experience; (experienced) from underneath the pavilion it provides the opportunity to encounter new people and new life. Visitors can interact with the installation by taking selfies or simply immerse themselves into the dynamic atmosphere while scenes shifting at every step. Rather than a platform with a rigid set of programs planned in advance, Kaleidoscope is a locus of hidden excitements which stimulates curiosity and awaits discovery.
CONSTRUCTABILITY
As a new medium between body, space and the urban context, this composite kaleidoscope can be experienced from multiple dimensions. (Viewed) From afar on Western Ave or Harvard Street, it is a street-corner sculpture that crystalizes the urban experience; (experienced) from underneath the pavilion it provides the opportunity to encounter new people and new life. Visitors can interact with the installation by taking selfies or simply immerse themselves into the dynamic atmosphere while scenes shifting at every step. Rather than a platform with a rigid set of programs planned in advance, Kaleidoscope is a locus of hidden excitements which stimulates curiosity and awaits discovery.
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