Shenzhen - Vanke Developer - Wonderland Phase IV

Synopsis of the 2 Plaza design

We propose two plazas for our site, one which is more active and public, the other more contemplative and private.

The larger and more public of the two plazas is at the hub of six converging pathways, including the long pedestrian corridor that begins at the entrance of the Vanke development. It is activated by two shallow rectangular pools, each with intermittingly spouting fountains. The presence of moving water is significant since each pool is located at the endpoint of three paths, which should enhance the visibility of these pools from a distance. They are conceived of generally as play areas for children. The pools are connected by a shallow water canal, and along the axis of this canal lies a small circular pool. As the water travels along the canal and into the circular pool, it cascades off a half-edge into a channel and below ground level. It is then pumped via an underground system back to the two rectangular pools, thereby providing them with their source for spouting water. The cascading side of the circular pool is surrounded by a large depressed plane of grass, whose boundary is defined by a series of steps that double as seating areas. This is a somewhat more introspective center of the plaza, as people seat themselves facing inwards towards the subtle cascade of water. The trees that surround this amphitheater-like space are larger and more dense, forming a more articulated canopy above and providing shelter in manner not unlike arches. The introspective center is flanked be two paved areas, open to the sky. They may take on separate functions: for example, they may be designated for adults and children, respectively. Here, recreational activities such as Tai Chi can take place, or people can choose to simply sit on the stone benches that form the perimeter of these areas. Between the pools is a checkerboard space of grass and stone (such as granite), which provides an aesthetic counter-balance to the brick-paved recreation areas. Adjacent to the pools are grassy areas perforated with squares of glass block, below which are installed lights that would serve to illuminate the area at night. The plaza as a whole is circumscribed by a perimeter of trees, emphasizing its distinctness from the rest of the residential complex. Trees likewise line the pathways leading to the plaza, and are located along the side that does not obstruct the view of the pools from a distance along the pathways.

This public plaza is connected to another plaza by a pedestrian path which runs along the entire north-south axis of the site. Its nature is more residential. It too has a shallow wading pool with a similar fountain motif. It likewise shares the checkerboard grass and granite space, but unlike the public plaza, this area is intensely populated with trees to provide a greater sense of shelter and privacy.

Details:

The pathways are composed of a series of square tiles, each one with ceramic tile corners, four concrete or granite rectangular elements, one on each side of the square, and a square of brick paving in the center. The pools are .3 meters deep, and are composed of slate. The steps of the amphitheater are comprised of granite stones with grass in the mortar lines. The rise of each step is .3 meters and the run .25 meters. Since there are 6 steps, this makes the slate cylinder with the circular pool on top 1.5 meters tall. The benches are granite. The trees are roughly of three different heights. The largest ones surround the ampitheater space, the medium-sized ones run alongside the pathways, and the smallest ones populate the grass and granite checkerboard in the residential plaza. Nearly all the elements in our proposed design are at ground level. Above ground level, the exceptions to this are the trees and the benches. The lights, the amphitheater space, and the pool floor surfaces are the only elements below ground level.