December 2012
UP GENERATOR takes place where new cultural inputs are needed.It creates a platform for temporary cultural interventions by the use of a structure made of a simple combination of old shipping containers and scaffolding elements.Existing buildings and their surrounding environment shape the sustainable architecture, which is placed in the space in order to upgrade a local area and its community lifestyle.The project faces the specific urban typology situation of the square. It traditionally is the heart of the city and it improves the connections in community life. Over the years we have seen a different approach to the square design: first squares were used as an enclosed space, but in the 19th century it became more an open area. The modern movement instead, did not pay any attention on the theme of squares in urban planning.A square should have an image and specific identity and it should create attraction for playing the role of destination point instead of being a dead end.In Rotterdam UP GENERATOR focuses especially on the needs of the area around Marconiplein, a critical square situated in the west part of the city.Marconiplein is known for being just a circulation hub. For this reason the square has no alternative function than transit. It is a place without a specific identity and, due to its peripheral position; it has no particular attractions for people.UP GENERATOR wants to bring the main cultural aspect of the city from the centre directly to this suburban area and it wants to give people a reason to enjoy their stay in Marconiplein.The project creates a new powerful vertical flow of people; information and culture move up to the top of one of the Europoint towers located in the site, by the design of a new urban structure.It parasites the tower and creates a dynamic situation where the containers combine while some of them shift outside of the regular building dimensions and views.