Eric Chan, Rhode Island School of Design
Submission 0189
Moving Ground
The plaza is experienced by the visitors through their sensibility with
light, texture, and materials. Polished stainless steel strips are arranged
irregularly between the brick pavers to achieve a textured walking surface
that defines specific zones within the plaza. The polished surfaces of the
metal strips shimmer under the sunlight and animate the plaza during the daytime.
At night, the strips are lit to create a carpet of lights to welcome the visitors
into the BCA. The same metal strips are used to create benches and signage
for the different programs of the BCA. The metal extends beyond the surface
of the ground and folded horizontally to create surfaces for seating. Signages
are placed in front of the crucial entrances of the Boston Center of Art to
announced and emphasize their presence.
A crescent shape mount marks the entrance of the plaza. The gentle curve leads
the visitors into the heart of the plaza. The mount rises gently from the
ground to shelter outdoor diners from the cars and noise of the street. At
night, the mount is lit from within so that it will glow at nighttime as does
the ground of the plaza. Digital advertisement of exhibition and performances
can be projected and display onto the surface of the crescent so that it can
be visible to pedestrians and vehicles as well.
