The Pool Installation at Hi-Note: A Dynamic Architectural Experience by Otazu García
An adaptive architectural installation in Alphabet City, fostering community engagement through modular seating, transparency, light play, and dynamic spatial interactions.
Transforming Urban Spaces with Flexible Design
Located in the vibrant heart of Alphabet City, New York, The Pool is an innovative outdoor installation designed by Otazu García for the newly established Hi-Note radio bar. This 70-square-meter project reimagines the traditional public gathering space by introducing a versatile architectural experience that fosters social interaction and community engagement.
A Fusion of Stoop Culture and Contemporary Architecture
Alphabet City is known for its stoop culture, where neighbors naturally congregate on front steps, creating informal yet integral social hubs. The Pool embraces this tradition by designing a series of movable follies—modular seating elements that allow users to reshape their environment. These dynamic structures offer adaptable configurations that cater to a variety of events, including:
- Live music performances
- Outdoor movie screenings
- Private social gatherings
- Casual public interactions
At the heart of the installation, a hexagonal stepped seating arrangement serves as a fixed social anchor, encouraging spontaneous interactions among visitors. Meanwhile, a separate mobile stair on casters introduces an element of fluidity, redefining spatial relationships within the space.
Architectural Elements: Light, Texture, and Transparency
The design utilizes corrugated polycarbonate panels to create a semi-transparent boundary, offering both privacy and visual intrigue. These panels, installed on the upper half of the walls and pergola roof, allow natural light to flood the space during the day while maintaining a level of discretion from the neighboring park and public areas.
At night, the corrugated surfaces interact with artificial lighting, generating a mesmerizing play of reflections that enhances the immersive ambiance of the installation. The addition of triangular clerestory elements not only visually elevates the space but also seamlessly integrates with the existing pergola structure, framing views of the lush surrounding foliage.
A Liminal Experience: Blue as a Defining Element
Stepping into The Pool, visitors are enveloped in an atmosphere dominated by shades of blue, evoking the sensation of an in-between space—a conceptual pool where city life meets leisure. This chromatic choice reinforces the project's theme of fluidity and openness, drawing users into a unique urban oasis.
Encouraging Interaction Through Design
At its core, The Pool is a space where people come to see and be seen. The stepped seating naturally fosters moments of interaction, encouraging visitors to engage with those around them. By allowing users to rearrange the follies and redefine their surroundings, the installation empowers the community to shape their own experience.
This architectural choreography echoes the traditions of Alphabet City's stoops—where spontaneous connections, conversations, and cultural exchanges have long thrived. Through its thoughtful design, The Pool serves as a contemporary interpretation of these urban rituals, reinforcing a sense of belonging and collective creativity.
The Future of Adaptive Urban Installations
With its flexible architecture and community-driven approach, The Pool at Hi-Note stands as a model for future urban installations. By blending historical cultural elements with modern architectural techniques, the project successfully redefines how people interact within the built environment.
