Guiding Light
Guided by Light, a proposal for route no. 1, intends to address the following issues; the accessible path, completely segregated from the main path, the steep incline of 15 m of elevation from the road to the entry of the building and its difficult ascension, as well as the current ramps being in poor condition and hardly practical.
These issues were addressed from the perspective of two universal design principles; first, the judicious use of light and color to guide users through the facilities and then, the integration of rest areas within the course to promote a peaceful, accommodating experience.
In order to address the issues raised, the circulation logic needed to be completely redefined. And so, with the beautiful but hardly used Gardens laying around - due notably to their access being more or less hidden by the corridor leading from one building to another, their lack of accessibility and the scarcity of shaded spaces as a result of the poor placement of the existing trees - the main idea of this proposal is to create a path that integrates both the Gardens and a fluid, universal access to the facilities, overcoming the 15 meter of elevation and exploiting the potential of this peaceful space to the max.
The closed corridors, providing shelter from bad weather, have been designed to accommodate all kinds of users; a colored, textured band guides the footsteps of people with visual or hearing limitation, standing out from the environment in contrast to the darker flooring; adding to this, the horizontal windows and the strategic openings on the roof frames concentrates light in a single direction. Moreover, lights added under the handrails make them even more visible. As for the different rest areas dotted along the route, they make the ascension less difficult for people with motor limitations, and adds an appeal to families, students or elderly people passing through, either looking for a quiet little corner or a place to sit down.
Finally, the reception desk of the facility has been redesigned to adapt notably to wheelchair users, allowing for more pleasant transactions. The simple access gates have also been replaced by two large automatic gates (this also applies to the rest of the doors on the course, automated for simplicity purposes).
(From competitor's text)
This proposal includes enclosed routes that appear to be tight, which can make it uncomfortable for individuals who are uneasy in confined spaces. Additionally, the design raises concerns about traffic flow, as circulation may become problematic, particularly during periods of high usage.
(From jury report)
