Thanks to its naturalness, durability and permanence, natural stone, which has been a part of the culture of living and sheltering in every period since the existence of humanity, is one of the most used materials in monumental buildings and public spaces in the architectural heritage. Due to its timelessness, original character, diversity and advantages in terms of durability, natural stone that contains the memory of all times, continues to exist in the strongest way especially in urban space designs. In our Showcase pages, we have compiled 8 public space designs in Portugal, China, Colombia, France, Italy and America, shaped by contemporary architects with natural stone.
Liberals Park
Architectural Design: Salworks
Building Date: 2018
Area: 946 sqm
Location: Achadinha, Portugal
Photographs: Salworks
The Liberals Park, designed by Salworks, is located in the north
of the island of São Miguel, on a large piece of land that slopes gently
towards the seashore. The parking lot, which hosts very simple programs, is
bordered by a cliff to the north, and is defined by thick black basalt walls in
the south opening to the view of the church and its garden. In the region where
stormy weather is common, the flat-coated façade design made with a single
material helps the space to blend into the landscape. In the project, the
supporting spaces are arranged with 3 black main walls.
The interventions made by the architects
allow the building to exist modestly in the project area while diverting the
gaze from the building and directing it towards the open horizon. Local basalt
stone, concrete and black metal elements were used in the project, with the
thought that the integration of the building with the future vegetation would
be a welcome way of welcoming the passage of time. In the design process, it is
aimed to cover the roof of the path extending toward the sea, which takes the
visitors to a semi-enclosed area, with plants in the future. A communal bench
has been placed at the southern border of the park, giving visitors a vast
180-degree view of the North Atlantic Ocean.
Toilets With a View
Architectural Design: guó bàn ér
Building Date: 2020
Area: 50 sqm
Location: Beijing, China
Photographs: ShuHe, Christian Taeubert
“Toilets With a View” is an infrastructure project that meets the basic needs of visitors in Tiankai Park, 85 kilometers southwest of Beijing, which is intended to be converted into a camping area. Since camping and fires are prohibited in almost all rural areas surrounding Beijing, Tiankai Park has turned into a campfire attraction for nature lovers from the city. The glamping area, which has become a trend for families and groups of friends looking for a special place to spend time outdoors, offers visitors a space where they can feel free while connecting with each other thanks to the advantages of its location. The project was created from a simple series of stone walls, as local regulations do not allow new construction or a roofed building on the site. The project, which consists of toilets and a sink, is positioned so that visitors can enjoy the picturesque camp view while washing their hands. The natural stone and gravel used for the project were taken from an area close to the site and the stone walls were built by local workers. Aiming to provide users with a real nature experience with the spring water coming from the mountain, simple copper pipes have been turned into water taps by bending them. Public infrastructure elements are designed as modest structures that match the landscape while marking various spots around the park.
Usaquén Urban Wetland
Architectural Design: Obraestudio
Building Date: 2016
Area: 8.500 sqm
Location: Bogota, Colombia
Photograhps: Daniel Segura, Andres Valbuena,
Jairo Llano
Obraestudio, which was awarded the first prize in the national
design competition for the exterior platform of the Santa Barbara business
center, aims to revitalize the 8,500 square meter landscape transformation
project, symbolic public space of northeastern Bogota and located at the
intersection of many important business centers.
The design concept of the project is based
on Bogota’s wetlands, nearby rocky areas and typical lush vegetation. In the
project, a natural ecosystem was created with the general geometry, colors and
textures of the semi-aquatic, semi-terrestrial design. Existing structures and
common areas create a provocative and clear contrast with the freely growing
landscape elements. Above the main square, a recycled rainwater garden and a
local urban wetland have been created that preserves native vegetation in its
natural habitat. The pre-existing car parks have been replaced by a linear park
filled with paths interspersed with lush natural vegetation, water and gravel
that inspire slow and meditative walks. Although urban design components appear
natural and irregularly placed, a rationalized building and construction style
underlies this large spatial composition. In the project, the pre-existing
green roofs were preserved, ensuring the integration of landscape and
architecture. The old elevator and staircase construction, on the other hand,
was covered with a steel structure with a radical change and brought to the
fore as a sculptural and meditative space.
Stone Nest Amphitheater
Architectural Design: 3andwich Design / He Wei Studio
Building Date: 2019
Area: 280 sqm
Location: Weihai, China
Photographs: Jin Weiqi
Since the 1990s, with the rapid urbanization of China, numerous quarries have been discovered in the city of Weihai. 3andwich Design / She Wei Studio wanted to transform this area, which was one of the stone quarries that was closed and left idle after the government increased the importance of environmental protection, into a public space that would benefit the local people. While the attractiveness of the small-sized quarry named “Shi Wozi” (Stone Nest), which was found by chance during the field research, fascinated the designers, the biggest question in the project was which public function the quarry would serve. With an analogical approach to the Ancient Greek amphitheater that inspired the architects, it was aimed to use an open-air theater as a public communication square for meetings, music and theater festivals. The arc-shaped pit from the quarry has been preserved as the rear wall of the amphitheater, which provides acoustics, without any treatment. The hollow-shaped wall of the quarry, as the most important content of the performance, became not only the back wall of the stage, but also one of its most important artists. Beginning from the horizontal plane of the stage, the audience area and the form of the stage, which is slightly raised and surrounding the stage, are adapted to the original terrain without observing symmetry. A building that serves functions such as a warehouse, toilet and cafe has been added under the audience area. Stones obtained from excavations in the field were used as building materials and a regular appearance was achieved with French windows on the façade. On both sides of the building, winding steps and ramps are placed, surrounded by high and large walls, arranged for entry and exit from the stage. Creating a cave feeling reflecting the history of the land, the project blends the landscape with the architecture. The design, which produces cultural concept solutions on abandoned industrial ruins, aims to eliminate the lack of public space in the region in the long term.
Town Entrance in Chatenay Malabry
Architectural Design: Ateliers 2/3/4/
Building Date: 2016
Area: 4.200 sqm
Location: Châtenay-Malabry, France
Photographs: Clement Guillaume
Strategically located at the entrance of Châtenay-Malabry, a new residential area, the square provides a clear view to the surrounding intersections and aims to contribute to the development of the newly opened Faculty of Pharmacy in the region. While the geotopographic features of the land, its location at the intersection of heavy traffic roads and the 5-meter elevation difference determine the landscape plan, three horizontal terraces with numerous plants, fountains and seating were created. These terraces provide access to the building entrances at different levels. Since the square is below the main street level, visual continuity is ensured on both sides of the road, and the inconveniences that may occur due to the density of traffic are prevented. The square floor consisting of steps, ramps and terraces and plants is shaped with natural stone. While this new topography allows for different uses, it integrates all pedestrian movements and removes access restrictions.
Kunshan Constitution Park
Architectural Design: IPD
Building Date: 2020
Area: 34.000 sqm
Location: Suzhou, China
Photographs: Lei Sun
Constitution Park is located in the cultural center of downtown
Kunshan, which is home to the metropolitan government buildings, science museum
and city park. The aim of the project is to provide a spatial experience of the
history and spirit of the Chinese constitution and the relationship of Kunshan
with its citizens and to give the city a more cultural and creative
significance.
Key elements of the park reflect the role of
the constitution in the lives of citizens. Because constitutions are dynamic
and lively, the design of Constitution Park incorporates a series of narrative
spaces that illuminate the history, present, and ceremonial process that bind
officials to their duties. The energetic, interactive and diverse park area
aims to embody the temporal process of history and law. At the center of the
park is the meditation courtyard with the text of the constitution written on a
mirror in water. The evergreen tree branches and leaves that grow with water
symbolize the state and people rooted in the constitution. The courtyard is
accessed through a winding street that represents the seven constitutional
amendments since 1954. In the ceremony area, there is an arena where government
officials can take their oaths. The fountains bring an active energy and
visitors are offered relaxation, socializing and playgrounds. Shaped with
natural stone, the park serves as a multifunctional space, offering an arena
for events such as meetings, speeches, swearing-in ceremonies or entertainment.
Alpini Square
Architectural Design: OSA Architettura e Paesaggio, Studio
Capitanio Architetti
Building Date: 2020
Area: 13,000 sqm
Location: Bergamo, Italy
Photographs: Stefano Tacchinardi
The renovation project of the Alpini square was carried out by Studio Capitanio Architetti and OSA Architettura e Paesaggio on behalf of Bergamo Municipality between 2018-2020. At the heart of the urban transformation is the redevelopment of the public spaces that define the city. The project with a limited budget aims to solve the social problems of this central area, where individuals on the fringes of the community and indifferent passers-by hastily haunted the square, by saving the collective size of the city’s largest open space. The square is located on the Alpini Monument designed by Architect Gambirasio in the 1960s and the historical street enriched with magnificent trees. The new square is imagined as a large, easily accessible space that can create a sense of belonging to the city. With open and safe spaces, the design allows for new urban behaviors such as free views, events, open-air cinemas, temporary shows and local markets. While the holistic view of the square attracts the attention of passers-by, it also increases safety and comfort. A careful composition has been arranged that creates a ramp and stairs to guide visitors to the center of the square. The sidewalks are accentuated by aggregates mined from local gravel quarries, while the alternate sections are defined by polished stones and exposed concrete. The design of the square, where large and historical trees are exhibited, has been completed with uniquely designed benches.
Memorial to Enslaved Laborers
Architectural Design: Höweler + Yoon Architecture
Building Date: 2020
Area: 600 sqm
Location: Charlottesville, USA
Photographs: Alan Karchmer, Sanjay Suchak
The Enslaved Workers Monument by Höweler + Yoon Architecture honors the lives, hard work, and perseverance of African-American lecturers, students, and administrators at the University of Virginia.The memorial aims to reflect the contrast between the anguish of captivity and the hope for the future felt by the 4,000 slaves who worked on the university’s construction between 1817 and 1865. The design celebrates resilience to this inhumane violence while providing a public space service to understand, learn and remember the community’s contributions to the struggle. Located on University Street, which connects to downtown Charlottesville, the memorial faces north towards symbolic freedom, offering an open and inviting space for seekers of truth and justice. It aims to embrace more visitors from all over the world by being built in a circular form inspired by the dances, where African-Americans celebrate freedom. It consists of a meeting space inside, a water table with a timeline, and convex concentric rings shaped by local granite, engraved with the names of the community. While the 80-foot-diameter granite exterior reflects the experiences of enslaved laborers with a variety of surface textures, coatings and portraits; the inner wall functions as an archive with the names of each individual.
