:: SKY_LAB :: INTRODUCTION
SKY_LAB a new type of creative and collaborative work environment. It addresses and reflects the fundamental changes of creative work environments caused by the implication of new work practices and gives consideration to the changing needs of architecture. Hoxton Square situated in the east end and the preeminent creative hub in London serves as the testing ground for our proposal.
SKY_LAB is a laboratory of media research activities where different modes of connectivity allow for manifold distribution of knowledge and thus new ways of creative and collaborative work. In terms of architecture, the build environment is articulated on the basis on an integrated design of differentiated information as well as spatial qualities, which derived from studies on how our client is organized, and operates. By working with minimal surfaces as an architectural design tool emerging qualities like visual and path porosity results in a highly differentiated space.
The ordering and sequencing of space gives us a dynamic interface of interwoven spaces and different zones of influence between teams and their territories to intensify workplace awareness and informal communication within the laboratory.
- Winners of the 2006 ARCH+ Award of best design and methodology
- (German magazine for architecture and city planing)
- Published in the AA projects review 2006
- Finalist 2006 FEIDAD Award
- Exhibited by invitation at the SIGRADI 2006, Chile
MEDIA LAB EUROPE
Media Lab Europe had been working in collaboration for digital and media research with MIT Media Lab (Cambridge, Massachusetts) and it had established relationships with partners in the field. This collaboration structure gave Media Lab Europe a unique character to their research structure, which included researchers, students, external collaborators and part-time undergraduate students.
This client represents the best application of the type of environment that is going to be hosted by the SKY_LAB, since besides being one of the leading research practices in the world, the activity that takes place in its practice is very rich in the sense of the contacts, connections and links that the lab has for the application of workgroup collaboration within and with external partners.The structure of the Media Lab Europe was taken into consideration, as well as the MIT Media Lab.
Media lab Europe which was closed in January 2006 was Served as a quasi client for SkY_LAB.
HOXTON SQUARE – London N1 UK
The area of Hoxton/Shoreditch represents an important development of urban fabric and re-adaptation for the East of London. It started by first promoting the cultural activities that later instigated business and social life, has created a rich array of mixed activities. The district of Shoreditch has now become an important hub in the city of London.
It counts today with more than 25 cultural locations such as cinemas, galleries, museums and theatres; more than 61 entertainment venues such as bars, restaurants, pubs, cafes; more than 32 shops related to cultural life such as boutiques and beauty saloons; around 11 learning or sports facilities; and about 7 firms that are related to design or estate services.
It is also surrounded by three main underground stations, among them Old Street and Liverpool Street Station, that connect altogether to 5 underground lines and 1 DLR line. It also accounts with more than 10 bus routes. The combination of all these activities and their exposure to the city life by their location as well as the transportation system that allows access to this area, create a perfect site for the location of research laboratories.
