06 THE SUPER SECTION:
THE UNCONVENTIONAL TREETOP
FALL 2021
MYRNA AYOUB STUDIO
How do we prevent another ghost town? How do we ensure that this city will be sustainable, resilient, and long-lasting? Focusing on density, activity, and sustainability the superfuture city can sustain future generations and continue to grow.
Intentionally creating strategies for density can shape the experiences of the
occupants. Not only does density apply to closed, occupied spaces, it also encompasses the open spaces and surfaces meant for activity. Taking advantage of the vertical ecosystem already created on the super plan, a clear density strategy can be created that plays with public and private spaces as well as open and closed spaces to further expand on the program. An important aspect of ensuring the longevity of the super city is to offer places that encourage activity and participation. This can include better use of outdoor spaces, clear program allocating, and going beyond simple “green spaces.”
A part of the activity of any city could be characterized by the livelihood of it. Tying into the ecosystem theme of the super plan, different life cycles can be incorporated vertically and horizontally into the system in place. Furthermore, this contributes to the sustainability of the city which is crucial for its success. Passive and active sustainable implementations such as recycled rain water, chamfording to create light pockets, and utilizing the verticality of the forms, can help sustain the city for future generations. Both challenging and embracing formal hierarchies, this proposal focuses on light and the visual experience to foster positive relationships within the community. This encompasses the relationship between occupants as well as the relationship between people and the environment.
Utilizing methods of terracing and chamfering roof tops and extended forms, certain visual perspectives are created to give a unique sense of experience. Furthermore, the chamfering works both to create engaging light conditions and give a scope of privacy and perspective. To combat formal and social hierarchies of the original form and of the larger Pasadena area, the chamfers also help to create an equal visual experience – people on the high parts of the form might get light and a good view of Pasadena, while people on the lower parts get the better view of the Arroyo running through the site.
By creating new spaces for interaction and activity outside, more people will then be inspired to actually use these spaces. This proposal hopes to make being outside even more accessible and enjoyable to resist the habit of being cooped up inside all day. With the hustle and bustle of Pasadena, this proposal aims to slow down the pace and remind people to appreciate the outdoor environments and the opportunities for activity, conversation, and relaxation it might provide. Additionally, it creates a dialogue between occupants without conversations being had – people are better connected with each other and with their environment through shared experiences unique to their location.