patterhn, Eric R. Hoffman and Tony A. Patterson
Submission 0126
Softscape
The wood floor of the main plaza provides a moment of fragility in the un-yielding hardscape of its context, adding warmth to the cold and rough brickwork. The feel of walking on a softer, more resilient surface offers an experience that differentiates itself; making its tactile quality easily identifiable and memorable.
Walking on the hollow wood surface set flush to the brick may remind one of being on stage…wood planks giving way to your body weight, the sound of your footsteps and footsteps of others sharing the space…the new floor elevates everyday events into the realm of performance.
THRESHOLD
The wood floor extends to become a threshold for the entire block. Sometimes wide enough to walk upon, and occasionally narrowing to an individual board width, this subtle device announces arrival to the BCA, marks its bounds, and unites east and west ends.
ICONS and TOTEMS
The existing large zelkova tree, spruce tree, garden, and kiosk are currently grouped together in the main plaza. Separating these elements makes each an identifiable singular anchor for each exterior public space. The zelkova tree stays as the primary focus within the main plaza. The spruce tree is relocated to the ‘pocket’, housed within an appropriately scaled planter. The kiosk and garden move to the eastern-most end of the site, providing a much needed reference at the intersection of Tremont and East Berkeley. The gardens new location (adjacent to the Berkeley Community Garden) effectively extends its limits into the neighborhood. This re-distribution of existing icons and totems aids in balancing the block, while providing necessary markers for way-finding and orientation.
BALANCE
The addition of a new ticketing kiosk on the southwest corner balances the block formally and stylistically. The new structure frames and re-centers the classical façade of the Cyclorama. Its form ties the main plaza back to the urban fabric while defining an outdoor room that cradles a new outdoor performance space. This room buffers the noise of the adjacent streets and encourages visitors to stay, relax, and enjoy.
A delicate incision into the Tremont Estates building physically connects the main plaza to the artists’ courtyard as well as a proposed roof-top venue for performance art and cinematic projection.
SUSTAINABLE
The service zone beneath the wood floor provides the opportunity for storm water harvesting and retention. Sedum vegetation on the ticket booth roof and new plaza trees will aid in reducing heat islands on the site. All wood will be identified and tracked as sustainably grown, harvested and milled species.
