Notable entries III: Activated roofs

The Hovering Garden proposal by Fabian Busse, Leon Lai, Leo Mulvehill, Nico Schlapps, and Eric Tan conceals a complex program under a floating garden-roof that, “allows nature to defy gravity.” This functional folly creates shelter by lifting a slice of the park above the heads of its visitors and caretakers that is “kept afloat and nurtured by those who would use it.” The garden-roof is both otherworldly and very much of this earth; it is both participatory and has a life of its own.

Bow Tie, by Nicholas Imperial, Matthew Streeter, Jin Huang, Sam Pepper, and Ian Mancini, focuses on the means and methods of construction with an emphasis on clarity. The project is designed so “users can change the nature of their enclosure themselves by constructing or deconstructing their shelter” through moveable wall panels. Additionally, Bow Tie’s twisting roof plane collects rainwater. Structurally simple yet visually active, this folly proposal foregrounds shelter as something active rather than permanent.

Primarily concerned with shading, Under the Cloud by Xiaofei Shen and Yiqing Zhao employs a circular plan that “introduces a more concentrated and effective communication mode.” Supported by a light open structure, Under the Cloud relies on its pleated roof for shelter to allow for “beautiful panoramic views like trees, riverbank, sculptures.” By day, this lightweight roof is reminiscent of a cloud; at dusk, it becomes a lantern floating above its inhabitants. While the entrants identify its purpose is to shade park-goers, this proposal’s seemingly diaphanous roof also provides substantial cover.

Folly/Function is a competition co-sponsored by The Architectural League and Socrates Sculpture Park that invites emerging architects and designers to propose contemporary interpretations of the architectural folly.