FALL 2022, POEISIS STUDIO 1
01. ERIN CHOI & OCTAVIUS TAN
02-04. INDIVIDUAL
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
CRAIG ST. PARKLET
SKILLS
HAND DRAFTING, DIMENSIONAL LUMBER CONSTRUCTION
Tasked with creating a public space in a parking lane on Craig St. in North Oakland, Pittsburgh, PA, outside of the Caliban Bookstore—inspired by the Park(ing) Day project and precedents from around urban centers in and outside of Pittsburgh—this project shapes interactive space, encouraging pedestrians to sit down, read, and chat.
01. CHAIR CONSTRUCTION
To become versed in screw-and-dimensional-lumber construction, classmates Octavius Tan, Erin Choi, and I teamed up to build Enzo Mari’s “R” chair based on our imperial measure translations of the architect’s original published guide.
02. CONSTRUCTION, PERSONIFIED
Before diving into site analysis and design iteration for the final Parklet, I personified this Enzo Mari “R” Chair based on a rest-position analysis to better understand how the construction could be imagined in human scale; I visualized this through a snapshot-like collage. This also prepared me for how my laminated wood tectonics would come together in the final product.
03. SITE ANALYSIS
Before diving into my final design, I visited the site—the parking space in front of Caliban Books on Craig St.—and did on-site measurements and recording. This included noting down measurements of and observations regarding the parking space, nearby trees, poles, vehicle traffic, pedestrian traffic and demographic, and sun path.
04. parklet
This final parklet incorporated three different types of rest positions, including sitting, leaning, and laying. Its construction is purely made of dimensional lumber and screws which are laminated to create surfaces. It is oriented away from the street and walled in by planters to keep occupants safe from traffic and to block noise. To encourage public use, the parklet is raised to the sidewalk’s level and its seating is oriented to encourage pedestrians coming from the busier, southern side. It also facilitates various levels of privacy by enclosing the seating on the quieter, northern side.
