ambient light

source: 10aeccafe

Project for a kiosk on the lakefront of Chicago. Waterfronts are special places. A meeting point between earth and sea, the horizon is exposed. More than elsewhere the sky is present, it illuminates and color permeates the place. The project aims to exacerbate this feeling by framing the views and accentuating the light of the moment.

A translucent fabric filter diffuses the light, revealing the average color of the sky. This veil delimits the space and generates privacy. The fabric masks some of the context to better reveal its brightness. Inside a suspended fabric ring provides shade. The
center of the roof is open to expose the sky. All you can see and connect with is the horizon and the sky.

The veil creates a sense of intimacy within the space be it; market, cafe, cinema, or exhibition. The space is versatile. A miniature piazza is created. The kiosk is made of lightweight structure, steel tube and fabric cable. The circular shape of the building redirects and compensates easily for the structural tensions. Many elements echoe the waterfront. Sail, kite, nets, ropes.

Each event will be created by using specific furniture that matches the purpose. Out of opening hours the counter closes like a strong box. Inbuilt anchorage points allow for the chaining of the funiture overnight. The kiosk remains accessible to the public as a tool to reveal the color of the place.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
source: designboom

‘ambient light’ highlights the unique natural ambience of the millennium park waterfront, where sky meets water and the horizon illuminates in just the right way. created by architect guillaume mazars, the chicago architecture biennial kiosk proposal was awarded an honorable mention in the competition — now completed, results here.

the project aims to emphasize the lighting environment present at the waterfront, focusing views and drawing visitors into the moment. a translucent fabric filter surrounds the entire raised piazza, which diffuses the light to a minimal colored glow. its positioning forces visitors inside to only look at the horizon line, seen from beneath the fabric, and the direct sky, seen from a large skylight in the direct center.

‘ambient light’ is highly versatile, and besides its use as an info kiosk, can be turned into a market, café, cinema, or exhibition space. the structure is made of steel tubing, with fabric cable and screen. materials were chosen, in part, for their significance within the nautical world. its easy to draw comparisons from the structure to sails, kites, and other maritime staples.