AEONDANCE - FINAL

AEONDANCE explores the limitation of circulation in architecture — enhancing concepts of motion, dynamism, fluidity, and open connectivity.

Situated within a highly dynamic urban environment, the proposed design for the San Francisco Mediatheque strategically integrates the vibrancy of community interactions into the architectural framework. Emphasizing a controlled infusion of communal connections, the sidewalk design seamlessly extends from the street, intricately merging with the primary circulation within the mediatheque. As the name, Aeondance, suggests, the circulation is an eternal dance within the building that creates a dynamic, ever-moving space that transcends traditional notions of floors and levels, fostering a fluid environment conducive to the dissemination of knowledge.

Upon entering the facility, visitors are enveloped in a continuous state of circulation, challenging conventional architectural norms. This intentional design encourages unhurried exploration, learning, and discovery, providing an immersive experience unbound by temporal constraints. The spatial arrangement strategically transitions from lively to serene, with more dynamic programs positioned at the lower levels, fostering community interactions along the circulation spaces. Quieter spaces are elevated, seamlessly transforming lounging areas into exhibition spaces.

Moreover, the circulation extends beyond the building, offering three entry points from the sidewalk and a connecting boardwalk to neighboring structures. This integrated approach allows visitors to engage with the urban context from multiple vantage points, choosing between the boardwalk's elevated perspective or the excavation level where the project is situated.

The architectural form of the mediatheque contributes to the overall experience, employing solid concrete materials to soften the core circulation. This deliberate choice results in an enclosed, yet fluid form, visually echoing the dynamic circulation within while providing a contrasting tactile experience. The design seamlessly blends urban vibrancy, architectural innovation, and the fluidity of knowledge dissemination.