Parasite Shell Garage

Parasite Shell Garage: Proposal for new type of public makerspace in reuse of parking garage

Cai, C.

Schreurs, E.P.N. (mentor)
Van Gelderen, M.H.J. (mentor)
Van der Meel, H.L. (mentor)

Architecture and The Built Environment

Architecture

2016-06-24

When talking about craftsmanship in contemporary world, I care more about the social value and dissemination of craftsmanship. For me, crafts should not only be appreciated as delicate objects, but as making process and technique. Personally observation and participation add an extra value of raftsmanship. This project proposes a possibility that craft makerspace could be set up in an urban context and become the public realm in the city. The aim is to integrate craft activities with normal city life. Here craftsmanship is not only about skills and proficiency, but also about communication and collaboration. It provides a platform with different levels of publicity and program, where craftsman, amateur makers or normal citizens could meet with each other and doing hands-on or other activities. Another aspect of this project is about the reuse of the parking garage, which is the building context of the public craft makerspace. Currently there are lots of vacant buildings and parking garages in the city center Rotterdam. The idea is to create a parasitic architecture dwelling in the existing building, in order to renovate and activate the vacant situation. New timber structures are build up in the existing concrete load bearing framework for its lightness and easy constructing, as well as a temporary gesture reacting to the unpredictable surroundings. This project is about to integrate public makerspace into city life. On one hand, it is offering a new type of public realm for making activities as well as everyday gathering; On the other hand, it becomes a method to activate the vacant and negative space and turn it into a new lively center in the city.

public makerspace
parasite architecture
negative space activation

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:f79e294e-ee0c-42fc-a72b-bbd4cbcb2169

Student theses

master thesis

(c) 2016 Cai, C.