As new technologies emerge, the ‘state of art’ and architecture continue to diversify and evolve. As technological advancements enable new spaces and designs, this project experiments how 3D scanning technologies- LIDAR could help designers see better through a new form of visualisation, and the design opportunities it offers. It speculates the cultural, social and political implications of technological trajectories from the perspective of architecture. Thus explores the future urban, spatial, aesthetic and formal possibilities.
TIME SQUARE 42ND STREET | SITE
42nd street subway is amongst the busiest place in the world. Acting as an interchange station for 12 subway lines (1,2,3,7,A,C,E,N,Q,R,S,W), it spans across 1,200 feet and goes as deep as 60 feet underground.
Acknowledging the current redundant and inefficient audition systems for subway performances, this project explores the possibility of employing LIDAR technology to transform spaces for performers throughout New York City’s subway.
Through the accuracy of spatial mapping and analysis, architecture changes from static to dynamic. Actively responding to human behaviour and networks, the design stitches individual programs to larger urban networks.
AGENT-BASED MODELING ANALYSIS
Gathering multiple scales of data (e.g. passenger movements, speed and spatial dimensions), design choices can be made with the consideration of factors across scales, from signage, furniture to circulation.
With the visualisation of flow, the feedback system could create spatial interventions such as creating chairs and table where people linger and act as interactive signages during rush hour to allow people to get the most up-to-date information with their commute.
ADAPTIVE DESIGN
With LIDAR technology, it is possible to monitor pedestrian flow and warn the operator if there is an emergency.
By adopting an architectural approach, spatial interventions (involving signage and programmed spaces) not only achieve specific goals such as relieving passenger congestion, but also generate social values that improve rider-experience through entertainment (subway performances) and amenities (chairs and other support furniture).
Design is no longer static but dynamic, as it reacts actively to passenger activity. Instead of taking a design problem in a static and Cartesian way, this proposal aims to liberate the way architects and designers approach spaces and allow for greater complexity in design.
