Victorious: Staging a Performance

Cafe, Stage, Seating

The third site creates a unique interaction between the public and the private. Each side of the canal has an open space varying in scale and both not being utilized in any way. Currently on the public side, the space is being used primarily as a transition space. The space on the private side is not being used at all.

In order to utilize the space, and the bridge, a cafe will be introduced. The cafe, currently, will be placed under the bridge, acting as a king of wedge that holds the bridge up. Metaphorically, the cafe is the key element because it is the foundation holding up the bridge, it is also the catalyst for creating pause. To compliment the cafe various seating arrangements will be integrated into the bridge and the surrounding area. By scattering the seating around the site, primarily on the public side, it begins to force people into pausing, even if it is only to dodge a chair. The arrangement of the seating sets the stage for the residents on the opposite side of the canal. The interaction with the seating becomes the performance and entertainment for the residents. To accommodate the audience, the currently neglected courtyard will be developed in order to create a calm and relax area to sit and "people watch".

Not only will there to an interaction between public and private on either side of the bridge, this interaction will also be on the bridge. A seating area will be provided on the bridge, which will allow for a unique interaction with the water directly below and the boats passing underneath. On the bridge, people sitting will interact with the people who are passing over the bridge to get to the other side.