collection
Aleksa Salve, Brian Chan
2nd year architecture students
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, 2016
Interactive elements of the covered walkway system create multiple purposes for the space. This system is made up of either bench seating or planting beds, which can be rearranged based on the need of the user (teacher, student, school, etc.). Students can sit on the benches during lunch time or during recess. The beds would each grow seasonal or year-round plants, which would teach the students how each one differs with the care they need to receive. This directly creates an interaction between the student and nature in that they are surrounded by the growth of plants even while doing a simple task such as having lunch.
When it rains, the slanted roof allows water to flow into a gutter, which is then drained and filtered through a pipe system. Students can see this process happen through the opaque materials used in this structure. The water is then stored in basins to be used to water plants throughout the campus.