The 700 square metre canopy from above
This is an open air sporting court and public plaza in the shanty town of Altos de Cazuca, Columbia, featuring 700 sqm of canopy structure comprising prefabricated dodecahedrons (solid figure with 12 faces) which look like a cluster of trees against the monotonous background of the slum. Located on an inclined site, the multi-functional structure rests on a series of steel stilts that sprout up at multiple trajectories. It is quite visible due to its vantage point and is a visually distinct landmark.
The expanded steel mesh wraps round the dodecahedrons offering a light porous mode of shading. The canopy hovers over a concrete playing field which can host a variety of activities by day. The well ventilated space has artificial lighting incorporated into the structure making the space below glow, allowing it to openly communicate with the adjacent street life at night. It is an inviting public forum to the neighbourhood.
