The technology of the local Zulu indlu dwelling, which is considered one of the finest examples of African vernacular architecture is adopted and reinterpreted to equip the landscape with a concentration of community activity surrounding play. The Zulu technology consists of three parts; pliant arches, grass rope, and stabilized earth floor. We propose a series of tensioned steel arches of varying shapes formed in place by bending and lashing them with rope. These arches are used to weave the grass rope that forms a canopy/play/rest surface. This surface is woven in varying degrees of density to provide shade or simply create patterns on the ground below to loosely define program areas while also to act as a swing, hammock, or climbing structure. The soild from the grading of the soccer field is used to form the berms, which deforms, amplifies and diminishes the patterns formed from the shadow of the woven rope above while defining fluid areas of activity.

Collaborator: Doug Hecker

Team: credits coming