Precedent Studies - Week 7
BAM Biblioteca degli Alberi - Studio Giorgetta
The first precedent explored this week is Studio Giorgetta’s ‘Biblioteca degli Alberi’ / Library of Trees. The design intention was to bring a new type of park to the City of Milan, a modern take to a Botanic Garden – each plot of the park focusing on different species and growth programmes. As the park is still relatively new (completed in 2018), the slender saplings in the circular forests have a while until they reach maturity, which will of course alter the spatial surroundings.
This review is via desktop, so without the real experience of being within the park – but it seems bare? In the conceptual stages it appears that there are more circular forests than in the final construction and recent aerial photographs reveal areas of wide-open space. To me there is no mystery, or hidden treasure around the corner, it is all just there… straight and flat. I appreciate the intent to encourage users from all areas via the interconnected ‘web of paths’, but I wonder whether so many paths were necessary when most of the ground plane is open and free from obstruction.
The park is said to be popular for young families, which I can understand as my favourite feature within the site is the playground – the most colourful and perhaps the most enclosed area due to a ring of surrounding Salix. The fuchsia pink and coral orange playground floor are exciting, warm and provoke fun.
Capital Crossing - Balmori Associates.
The design by Balmori Associates for Capital Crossing follows a rectilinear grid-like pattern. Despite the design featuring different areas with varied planting schemes and uses, there is an evident unity throughout the site, seen via the use of square planters, pavers, box seating and consistent materiality. Squared forms mirror that of the existing building and provide a simple, defined structure that easily and effectively juxtaposes the natural variety and informality of the plant forms.
Although the planted areas seem small in plan view, they appear to be abundant with species - providing vibrant visuals. The timber cladding also offers a biophilic and almost agrestic feel to the inner city – a successful integration between the built form and the natural environment, providing calm and quiet spots away from the hustle and bustle.
Completed in 2020, the third precedent this week is the ZAC landscape project in the residential neighbourhood of Le Croissant. The design intends to have a mixed identity, one that responds to the ‘peculiar monumental architecture of the 70s’ that surrounds the site.
It is clear that the project provides benefits to the local residents, offering opportunities for fitness and play. Other than this, I am struggling to find something that appeals to me, this could be due to the surrounding apartment blocks that set the tone for the space in between. However, there was an opportunity to bring vibrance and colour to the space but the chosen green and yellow elements fail to do this. As seen by the play area mentioned above, the choice of colours used is integral to the mood that is created.
‘Innovative pieces from different countries’ also seems excessive and pointless – it isn’t evident that these pieces have travelled hundreds of miles, nor do they provide something that a local/national designer or manufacturer couldn’t create. The guides and white margins too seem and somewhat senseless – yes, it is great to encourage children and young adults to use their imaginations but a traditional pitch or play space may have encouraged more frequent use of the site. Another option would be to switch up temporary ground markings during the seasons – offering a real variety that can actually be used by all.
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