The Parkside Kiosk gently lays on the landscape, hidden by a curtain of trees. The materials used to cover up the structure look hard and dark but create harmony with its surrounding. The timber cladding reminds the viewer of the natural world which coexists with the greenery found within the space. The surrounding buildings, on the other hand, have a complete different personality and seem to be more imposing in form and size. Both cultures harmonize with one another but are different, they live side by side but do not completely merge together.
The Kiosk is modest in both appearance and position. It lies at the end of the axis that cuts through the park yet it quietly stands with the people that surround it. Its scale and size are easily approachable and comforting as opposed to the larger more abrupt office buildings surrounding the area. The Parkside kiosk seems to stand in the perfect spot in between a harsher world. Its entrance as well as its glass openings breaks the division between the exterior and interior. People tend to easily move around the kiosk and interact with it. The reflections and openings create a shorter link between what is found inside and what is found outside the building. This allows it to be part of the exterior but still have its own identity. It could be seen as a shelter or a helping hand in a more ruthless corporate world. Despite this lack of division between the exterior and interior, the structure has an outward focus. The cantilevered roof at the entrance embraces the outside world but doesn’t force it inwards. It encourages communication with the exterior but doesn’t overshadow it.
At first glance a contrast or difference is noticeable in size, materiality and function. It does not imitate any of the surrounding buildings but tries to stand out without being a complete outsider. The aesthetics of the kiosk portray a delicate concept and tell a story whereas the office buildings look somewhat similar and lack individuality. The kiosks skin appears to bring it warmth and seems more humane and approachable. Even though the café is closed on all four sides, the transparency of its openings allows the air to flow gently within and around the space. This transparency is enhanced by the amount of light passing through the space. The closed structure appears to be more open that it actually is due to the clearness and lucidity of the kiosk.
Parkside Kiosk is situated next to the Potters field yard, one of the few remaining green open spaces along the riverside, run by the Potters Field Park Management Trust. PFPMT is non-profit organisation whose role is to manage and maintain the park. The park is a space that holds several events and activities throughout the entire year, ranging from community events to private functions. Potters Field park is mainly seen as a relaxing space that provides a green and natural touch to the entire area.
Both the environment and sustainability were at the basis of the architects approach. The structure was designed to last in the future, considering long term economic and social value and low maintenance costs.
Interview 1
List of Questions:
1. What building do you mostly notice within the space?
2. What is your first impression of the Parkside Kiosk?
3. Do you find any resemblance between the two cafes?
4. Why did you come to this kiosk and not the other one?
1. …The café. (Business Man)
1.. … The benches…I just want to sit and enjoy the weather, I prefer not to look at the buildings, and they are too big. (Old woman with big coat)
1.… The wooden one, looks quite different! (Young man)
1. … What building don’t I notice, they take over the entire space! I remember when we could see a bit more greenery in the city… (Old man)
2. … I love the entrance, the columns and the wood! (Girl with a pink hat)
2. ...The corner of the roof… it seems to be piercing through… (Business Man with a poppy)
3. … Yes…same shape, different color… (Young Man with cap)
3. … I had not noticed any resemblance… (Girl with flower)
3. … Yes…I am guessing they are designed by the same architect… (Woman with a kid)
4. …It looks busier… (Man in a suit)
4. … It is right in front of my office building… (Man in suit 2)
4. … This is where I come every day for lunch (Man in suit 3)
1. What aspect of the Kiosk mostly attracts you?
2. What is the first thing you think of while looking at the Kiosk?
3. Do you think it belongs in this environment?
1. …The pointiness and character of the building, it is different… (Girl with coffee)
1. … The wood… (Small boy)
1. … The size and form of the café… (Lady with a balloon)
1. … The fact that you can sit outside and still feel sheltered… (Man with red jacket)
2. … Olden days...historic… (Girl with dog)
2. … Chalet up in the mountain… (A Couple)
2. … Trees… (Little girl)
7. 3. …No not at all, it doesn’t look like anything around it… (Student)
3.… It doesn’t belong there but it makes us feel comfortable, there is something we can relate with… (Two girls)
3. … This type of area needs something that appears to be out of place… (Old man)
October 18th, 2010 December 13th, 2010
16 High/ 12 Low 9 High/ 5 Low (Showers)
The effects of the weather on the circulation is quite obvious. The weather was nice and dry on October the 18th, and the entire space was filled with people. Tourists, workers and people from all around the city were walking around the park and enjoying the day. December the 13th was a wet and cold day in London. Many workders preferred to stay in their office buildings or rush in and out of the kiosk as quick possible. Mostly all of the people chose to go into the cafe rather than staying outside despite the presence of the cantilevered roof at the entrance.
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