Synopsis

There was a time for assertive monuments meant to permanently mark their territories with confident postures. These often disregarded the traces of the ordinary and the mundane to promote worthy certainties of supposed greater significance… These monuments from the past were meant to be contemplated.

Our intervention is limited to a modest slice of the site, a landscaped platform, which moves vertically offering its visitors an observation point from which the existing park and the city beyond can be contemplated from 200 feet above. 

In its awaited ascent, it can be seen from far.

At rest, it voluntarily disappears

Positioning

Our intervention (20x20 m square) situated in the northeastern portion of the site, prevents the disruption of relevant existing features, connects to the river trail, provides the necessary distance to observe the park and the city beyond through its ephemeral presence in the urban skyline.

Massing

The proposed mass of 250 tons includes planters and various specimens acquired from the park. It rests on hydraulic pistons lifting it up 60 meters to become an observation deck for visitors.

In upward position, the mirrored surface of the pistons renders an indiscernible supporting structure. The heavy mass appears to be in levitation, before it recedes to merge with the grounds it originates from.

Home to the minds behind some of the most relevant breakthroughs in the age of dematerialization, San Jose will not impress the world with another static, rhetorical mass. In this particular context, we suggest celebrating the awaited appearance of our piece of earth and the beauty of its frequent absence.

The hydraulic system

The system consists of synchronized telescopic cylinders with energy recovery motors.

Power consumption per lift cycle is 50KW

The platform stands 20 min in upward position and rests 30 min at ground level with a travel time of 5 minutes

For an estimated 10 cycles per day, the consumption is estimated at 182,500 KWH /year

Energy generation and the community

Harvesting power from the community’s movement in and around the park:

- Piezoelectric lanes:

Generating 0.01KW /hour /linear foot at an average rate of 35 cars /hour

With over 4,800 linear feet of vehicular lanes bordering the park – excluding the highway - the system generates 210,000 KWH /year (specialist data)

- Piezoelectric tiles:

On a surface of 107,000 ft2 (sidewalks surrounding the site and existing pedestrian paths) Generating an additional 8000 KWH /year (specialist data)