The project Lofty Corner envisions a generous space located at the corner of a roof of a typical building in a typical urban setting. This space is to be used by all its tenants and can be easily accessed from the roof level. In its essence, it is a revival of the ancient gargoyles, these peculiar creatures with the power to eradicate bad spirits away from the buildings. Lofty Corner is also in itself an alien space that enhances the life quality of its users.
It is built of 487 equal triangular pieces, forming the shape of a sphere with a radius of 5m/16.5feet. It would be assembled on site and reproduced multiple times across the urban environment. Each piece contains three prefabricated structural mullions linked together and holding a frameless glass system in a triangulated shape. Each glass piece contains a reflective interlayer of photovoltaic cells. This interlayer has the function to capture the sun light and also protect its interior from malicious UV rays from the sun. The captured sunlight is then transformed into electricity and used to light the loft at night. A thin stretched nylon net is added at roof grade, providing a safe and relaxed way for its users to enjoy its interior.
This innovative space has the power to reflect the city growth on its mirrored skin. It allows each user not to be seen from the interior while having the full capacity to perfectly see and monitor its surroundings. Lofty Corner provides multiple solutions to an enhanced communal urban life. It is an efficient way to bring people together while relating itself to the city. It responds to three fundamental urban values: interaction, observation and sharing.
