dekalb market /
pop-up farm /
madison ave apt /
30 rock /
5th st slope / t + h /
little theater / pour / greenstop / homefree / porto /
5th st slope / t + h /
little theater / pour / greenstop / homefree / porto /
Porto Sculpture Park: exposing the water of serpa pinto
Concept: Currently, among the rows of concrete cylinders and the purple amaryllis in the beating Porto sun, there is no evidence of the dark cool surface of the reservoir below. Our design brings the physical and psychological effects created by water to the surface of Serpa Pinto, strengthening its sense of place and inherent beauty.
Reflectance: High output MR-11 LED lamps are placed at a 45 degree angle to reflect the reservoir's rippled surface, casting an illuminated pattern of water above. The concrete cylinders are transformed to glowing light wells that serve as art pedestals. The sculptures are lit with moving echoes of what lies beneath the surface. The illuminated "cuts" become ethereal strips of water connecting art and events. The paths of light create program based, human scale divisions yet stitch the site into unity.
At night the reflective interior face of each funnel transmits the light from below. During the day each funnel catches sunlight, passes it through the glass, and directs it into the reservoir. As an intended side effect, the disinfecting ultra violet radiation from the sunlight purifies Porto's stored water.
Air cooling: Warm, dry winds blowing through Porto pass through the large, stainless steel grilles of the concrete pedestals. The winds are directed along the outer surface of the metal funnel to the cool surface of the reservoir. The louvres on top of the pedestals create cross ventilation, drawing the cooled winds up the hollow center of each funnel and out to the site. Visitors experience an oasis of relief with the smell and taste of water surrounding them.
Sound transmission: The open apertures of each pedestal expose another property of water, which connects the site. As groups of people gather around each work of art, their comments echo down through the open grilles, rebound, mix with other site sounds, and emerge amplified from the other pedestals. The concrete cylinders become sound wells where a lingering artist is privy to candid conversation about their art.
Fundraising: Serpa Pinto is transformed into an open-air art gallery and event venue. Visitors can be charged daily admission or the site may be rented for special events. Residents of Porto could pay a yearly membership to have unlimited access to Serpa Pinto. Special events could be scheduled, such as lectures, music, and live performances, for an additional charge. During the day people may use Serpa Pinto as an open, peaceful park to stretch out and enjoy the weather. They may meet friends for coffee at the café or see what new local artist is being featured. At night, visitors may return to see the park transformed by the light of the illuminated reservoir. The café easily becomes a nightclub and its seating area a dance floor. Proceeds from exhibitions, admissions, art sales, memberships, and revenue from the café/nightclub will fund site construction and maintenance of Serpa Pinto.
Our design is intended to minimize construction costs. The former empty tool shed, becoming the café/ and bar for the nightclub, stays largely as it is; weathered stucco and paint beautifully contrasting against its sleek new surroundings, leaving a sense of history. Our design began utilizing the access provided by the nine existing concrete cylinder openings as the most cost effective way to reach the site's water while continuing all the site's functions.
Concept: Currently, among the rows of concrete cylinders and the purple amaryllis in the beating Porto sun, there is no evidence of the dark cool surface of the reservoir below. Our design brings the physical and psychological effects created by water to the surface of Serpa Pinto, strengthening its sense of place and inherent beauty.
Reflectance: High output MR-11 LED lamps are placed at a 45 degree angle to reflect the reservoir's rippled surface, casting an illuminated pattern of water above. The concrete cylinders are transformed to glowing light wells that serve as art pedestals. The sculptures are lit with moving echoes of what lies beneath the surface. The illuminated "cuts" become ethereal strips of water connecting art and events. The paths of light create program based, human scale divisions yet stitch the site into unity.
At night the reflective interior face of each funnel transmits the light from below. During the day each funnel catches sunlight, passes it through the glass, and directs it into the reservoir. As an intended side effect, the disinfecting ultra violet radiation from the sunlight purifies Porto's stored water.
Air cooling: Warm, dry winds blowing through Porto pass through the large, stainless steel grilles of the concrete pedestals. The winds are directed along the outer surface of the metal funnel to the cool surface of the reservoir. The louvres on top of the pedestals create cross ventilation, drawing the cooled winds up the hollow center of each funnel and out to the site. Visitors experience an oasis of relief with the smell and taste of water surrounding them.
Sound transmission: The open apertures of each pedestal expose another property of water, which connects the site. As groups of people gather around each work of art, their comments echo down through the open grilles, rebound, mix with other site sounds, and emerge amplified from the other pedestals. The concrete cylinders become sound wells where a lingering artist is privy to candid conversation about their art.
Fundraising: Serpa Pinto is transformed into an open-air art gallery and event venue. Visitors can be charged daily admission or the site may be rented for special events. Residents of Porto could pay a yearly membership to have unlimited access to Serpa Pinto. Special events could be scheduled, such as lectures, music, and live performances, for an additional charge. During the day people may use Serpa Pinto as an open, peaceful park to stretch out and enjoy the weather. They may meet friends for coffee at the café or see what new local artist is being featured. At night, visitors may return to see the park transformed by the light of the illuminated reservoir. The café easily becomes a nightclub and its seating area a dance floor. Proceeds from exhibitions, admissions, art sales, memberships, and revenue from the café/nightclub will fund site construction and maintenance of Serpa Pinto.
Our design is intended to minimize construction costs. The former empty tool shed, becoming the café/ and bar for the nightclub, stays largely as it is; weathered stucco and paint beautifully contrasting against its sleek new surroundings, leaving a sense of history. Our design began utilizing the access provided by the nine existing concrete cylinder openings as the most cost effective way to reach the site's water while continuing all the site's functions.