The project is located in Prato, Italy, offering a hub for cultural exchange and events among locals and international students. It also contributes to the Prato Urban Jungle by creating a valuable Italian green space that offers shade, stress reduction, improves focus and fosters well-being.
'Plan configurations of the temporary structure'
The temporary structure can be rearranged from a regular carpark, to space for community events and to a Sunday market that Prato currently has.
The temporary structure incorporates different fabrics in order to reflect Prato's long history with textiles. The fabrics offer different light and atmospheric conditions and can be adjusted manually by the user based on their needs. It acts as a dividing wall and a shading device, allowing various activity in the space. Within the structure, there are small gardens to help reduce the city's urban heat island effect and provide shade for the users.
Tower Section
The Tower offers a tourist information hub, a cafe and a temporary accommodation for international students. Its architecture, specifically the materiality and the arches is inspired by Tuscany's architecture in order immerse students into the Italian culture and landscape.
Cristin Cortez, 'Plan configurations of the temporary structure'
In the spirit of reconciliation Monash University acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
