architensions reinterprets the tent typology with a public space activator in new york

the tent typology is symbolic of housing and sheltering for the nomadic life, especially in specific regions of central asia. these tents are held up using hand spun yak wool rope and a limited number of wooden poles. they are easy to assemble and light to transport. architensions reimagines the tent typology for greenpoint open studios 2017 hosted by java studios in brooklyn, studying a simple assembly of bamboo poles to maintain the idea of an easy and fast aggregation of elements and at the same time rethinking the protective layer of the camp which needs to provide shelter from the rain and the sun. 

architensions reimagines the tent typology for greenpoint open studios 2017 hosted by java studios in brooklyn

new york based design studio architensions has treated the layer as an intermediate material through which the user will relate to their surroundings, whether it is a courtyard in an urban environment, or other public spaces within our cities. in the design, this layer offers different ways of seeing or interacting with reality and it has been identified with a dichroic film produced by 3M applied on a vinyl sheet. this newly made composite panel is capable to perform the action of protecting from the rain and can also function as a shading device, producing a wide range of colorful effects and reflections as a result of its optical properties. furthermore, the film is able to filter 97% of the UV radiation from the sun making it a perfect for the summer.

this composite panel is capable of protecting from the rain and can also function as a shading device

the word dichroic is derived from the greek dikhroos, meaning two-colored, and relates to any optical device which can split a beam of light into two beams with differing wavelengths, giving a dynamic look to these iridescent surfaces which changes colors depending on someone’s position or light angles transforming the tent in a chromatic space. the user will be able to experience many different conditions, according with the change of light during the day or its relative position within the space or its surroundings. seeing through a chromatic space will give the possibility to reveal the complementary colors of reality.

the user will be able to experience many different conditions, according with the change of light during the day

the basic 8′ by 8′ modular structure is designed with a faceted roof as a strategy to eliminate rain water. bamboo was preferred because it’s a green material and it allows for simple peg and ties joints and can easily fit into custom 3D printed joints. the module allows for different configurations and modules assembly depending on the function and the type of gathering.

bamboo was preferred because it’s a green material and can easily fit into custom 3D printed joints

the four follies with the function of stimulating ‘seeing’ of the users will sit on the landscape with their iridescent faceted roofs like an insect with beautiful colored changing wings. in the words of john berger: ‘seeing establishes our place in the surrounding world, we explain that world with words, but words can never undo the fact that we are surrounded by it‘. ‘dikhroos’ with its powerful natural phenomena will establish a strong link between public spaces and its visitors.  

‘dikhroos’ with its powerful natural phenomena will establish a strong link between public spaces and its visitors

bamboo materials allow for simple peg and ties joints

dichroic light on the ground’s surface

detail of the dichroic film layer

detail of the bamboo and the 3D printed joints

the layer gives a dynamic look to these iridescent surfaces which changes colors depending on the light angles

detail reflected light from ‘dikhroos’

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: apostolos costarangos | designboom