Serpantina is a simple linear element made up of modules of standard metal profiles and shading fabric widely available in the market. This way it can be easily reproduced, adapted to different locations, transported and assembled on any site.
Serpantina appears as an extremely long & thin building. The original competition design is 60mx5m. Although extremely affordable, its monumental dimensions and graphic character make it automatically recognizable, optimistic and iconic, therefore maximizing its urban effect.
Underneath, a dense sequence of events take place in the linear shaded space in correspondence with the neighborhood needs. The long, narrow space promotes cross programming and is in its entirety ideal for social programs. The strategy of the line heightens the contrast between the complexity of the city, and the precision of the canopy.
The first built case study comprises 3 modules (30mx5m) and hosts a sequence of public seating, a ping pong table, a platform, lunch tables and long benches. It is built in front of the Holon Design Museum in Tel Aviv following a first prize in the Urban Shade invited international competition. The aim of the competition was to conceptualize, plan, and build prototypes of duplicable shading elements for an outdoor public space.
status: built, 1st prize invited competition
program: public canopy
area: 120m2
location: Tel Aviv
team: Konstantinos Pantazis, Marianna Rentzou, Stauros Kotsikas
structural engineer: Thanasis Kontizas
client: Holon Design Museum
collaborators: Robert Ungar, Reineke Otten
year: competition 2014- built 2015
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The competition
The aim of the Urban Shade competition, following a year-long research project on this topic, is to conceptualize, plan, and build prototypes of duplicable shading elements for an outdoor public space. Serpantina is a simple linear element made up of modules of standard metal profiles and sun shading fabrics widely available in the market that can be both easily reproduced, adapted to different locations, transported and assembled on site. Although extremely affordable, its monumental dimensions and graphic character make it automatically recognizable, optimistic and iconic, therefore maximizing its urban effect.
A dense sequence of events take place in the linear shaded space in correspondence with the neighborhood needs. The long, narrow space promotes cross programming and is in its entirety ideal for social programs. The strategy of the line heightens the contrast between the complexity of the city, and the precision of the canopy. The first case study is 60m long by 5m wide and hosts a sequence of public seating, a tribune, a kiosk, a barbeque and a playground. The winners will construct their proposed designs which will be open to the public for several months.
status: competition 1st prize
area: 300 m2
location: Tel Aviv, Israel
structural engineer: Athanassios Kontizas
local architect: Robert Ungar
collaborator: Reineke Otten
client: "Beracha Foundation and Design Museum Holon"
expected completion: June 2015
