LOT-EK’s design for the Open School focused on activating the open space at the river edge. Set on a site that included an incredible sloping hill and extended water and rock path, the architects were provided an unmatched opportunity to create a beautiful space for visitors, spectators and actors to showcase their curious and artistic endeavors.
Constructed from 8 shipping containers carefully arranged, the program features three different and interconnected areas each evoking a different spatial experience mainly driven by the natural environment. At the ground level sits the amphitheater, which easily benefits from the natural slope of the site; the lower section of the incline takes advantage of the view of the rivers edge and seamlessly connects to the existing stairway, while the upper level leaves ample room for open exhibitions and community exchange against views of the park and cityscape. The second story of the building has been lifted 3-meters above ground and encompasses each of the 8 containers. Here one can find a large multipurpose room, exhibition space, artist-in-residence studios and ample research space. Large glass windows sit on the ends of each container providing varied views across the north-east and south-west axis.
Overall a striking design given its colorful and graphic nature, what in fact makes this a dynamic construction is LOT-EK’s choice to form an angled overhang at the top of the structure. Not only does the tilt provide for a lively and interesting aesthetic, but by creating a window puncture at the top of the tilt, in addition to a deck, the architects create a unique user experience that draws upon carefully framed light and inimitable views of both nature and urban life intermingling.
+ LOT-EK
A exciting aesthetic, but it looks like there is little left of the original containers. It seems like the shipping container recycling is more rhetoric than reality in this project.
logicarch, I disagree with your observations. With the exception of three support beams, one of which is an admittedly beefy braced frame, this thing is all shipping container.
I do have one complaint, however: if the title of the article is accurate, shouldn’t we be seeing photographs of the finished building? This looks far from open; they are in the early to mid stages of construction from the visual evidence.
Cool project, though.
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