Dec 1, 2026
LOT-EK lectures at RIT Vignelli Center, Rochester
concept & vision
our inclined volume provides shade to its outdoor plaza while becoming a public park on its sunny side, openly accessible via funicular. It is pierced by a pedestrian and bike-friendly passenger bridge, which connect it to its surroundings
design & architecture
we stack circles of containers and shift them one layer at the time, generating the incline with stepped levels. These circles surround and define large and flexible open spaces for contemporary art
program & use
the shaded pedestrian plaza underneath encourages public gathering and community exchange as an open-air sculpture garden with video displays at the end of the container' short faces. Double and triple-height exhibition spaces on several levels occupy the central open shaft, with children museum, restaurant and an open terrace onto the city at the very top
impact & significance
we upcycle approximately 1,100 (re)used shipping containers to create volumetric walls for this building, minimally modified as inhabited rooms, hallways, and mechanical shafts
