COLLABORATIVE ARCHES
Within the framework of the CREO Antofagasta urban plan, Ciudad Emergente carried out a series of tactical urban planning actions in various under-used spaces of that city. The objective was to invite the community to co-produce temporary urban appropriation activities. One of the challenges for these interventions was to generate shadow in a light, fast, cheap and participatory manner in various contexts of Antofagasta. The design strategy proposed was a structural roof system based on the logic of the Leonardo Da Vinci Madrid Codex bridge. Although Da Vinci's structure was developed as a bridge for military purposes, its reciprocal and self-supporting logic conformed to the demands of urban tactics of Antofagasta since it can be mounted in various adverse contexts and respond to a variety of programmatic needs. The structural system was developed based on 11 wooden elements 2x2 ”and 1.6 meters long that generate“ arch ”structures of 5 meters of light by 1.6 meters wide. Each component considered raschel mesh surfaces to cover and shade. As a strategy, a system that could be co-built and easily replicated by neighbors in different neighborhoods of Antofagasta was thought of. Although digital tools were used to define the geometry of the arches, the manufacturing was planned with a "low tech" logic, based on accessible materials and basic tools: hammer and handsaw. The system of union between components is based on the friction generated between the elements, their own weight and gravity thus simplifying the connections. Nails were used that act as "stops" and "guides" allowing the assembly and disassembly can be performed based on fittings between components, without the need for ties, screws, or ground connections. This process can be carried out by 4 people without construction knowledge in 5 minutes.