Year 2020
Type Lighting Design + Landscape Architecture + Urban Planning
Team Cody Torgersrud + Iris Molendijk
Brief
Create a concept proposal for what public performance spaces will look and function like in a post COVID-19 world.
Description
Social bubbles are an intervention in space that encourages people to get together again while maintaining a safe distance. While the ideal intimacy of the physical performance remains, the necessary exclusivity of such venues results in a much more elite access to the arts. In this design a conscious decision was made to give broader access via a digital platform. A general stage could be designed, surrounded with pods, where people can watch the performance live, in addition to being followed digitally. This would maintain health social distance while also lessening the need for travel on public transit to reach a singular performance space.
Social bubbles re-imagine the usage of traditional social spaces. Multimedia screens, hubs, are placed at several places in a park surrounded by small pods. These pods are set into the ground and provide space for up to two users. Social distance is indicated by infrared sensors built into the facades of the screens. When open a green indicator ring will light up along the edge of the pod. Once capacity is reached the ring will turn orange showing that the space is fully occupied. If too many people are in or around the pod the light changes to red indicating overcapacity and unsafe. This is enforced as the screen will shut down if too many people are sensed.
The pods that make up the social bubbles are designed to create individual buffers within the larger setting of a public park. Pods are clustered around a screen with up to three on each side with each pod given a clear view of the screen. Integrated into the shell is audio equipment designed to provide a 360-degree sound experience, heightening the intimacy of the performance. The form of the pod takes after a smooth shallow dish which is set into the ground at an angle. These are meant to appear as grass lined divots in the lawn angling up to create the perfect space to recline into.
These pods are able to be reserved using a mobile app that allows for booking as well as the pod interface. In addition to being able to book space for live streaming performances the screens can also be used to view cataloged materials. The format would also allow for screen time interaction between locations within the network. This would allow for group hang-outs with friends, family or colleagues while maintaining safe social distancing guidelines.
Sketch: Side view at ground level
Sketch: Green light setting, still open for use.
Sketch: Yellow light setting, bubble is fully occupied.
Sketch: Red light setting, bubble is over capacity and will shut down.
Schematic: Map of potential Social Bubble sites within Stockholm City.
Schematic: Mapping example of positioning of Social Bubbles using Humlegarden Park.
