Situated in Alphabet City, New York, The Pool is an innovative outdoor installation at the Hi-Note radio bar. Designed by Otazu García, this space aims to offer a flexible environment that can adapt to various needs and configurations. The design concept draws inspiration from the stoop culture prevalent in Alphabet City, where communal gathering spaces play a vital role in neighborhood dynamics.

Fostering Community Engagement

Upon entering the bar’s outdoor area, visitors encounter a series of movable follies, each serving as a unique element within the space. The central feature is a fixed hexagonal stepped seating arrangement, encouraging social interaction at different heights. Additionally, a mobile stair on casters allows for dynamic spatial arrangements, facilitating activities such as concerts, movie nights, and private gatherings.

Creating an Illusion of Liminality

The design employs blue hues to evoke a sense of liminality, transporting visitors to a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling cityscape. Corrugated polycarbonate panels used for the exterior walls and pergola roof strike a balance between natural light and privacy. By day, these panels allow ample sunlight while maintaining privacy from neighboring park-goers. At night, the corrugation creates mesmerizing light patterns, enhancing the ambiance of the space.

Promoting Interaction and Connection

The Pool is strategically designed to encourage interaction and community engagement. Visitors seated on the stepped seating can observe and interact with others below, fostering a sense of connection within the neighborhood. By allowing visitors to rearrange the follies according to their preferences, the space facilitates spontaneous interactions and social gatherings, reminiscent of the stoop culture that defines the area’s social fabric.

Harnessing the Spirit of Leisure

By offering a customizable environment for leisure and socialization, The Pool pays homage to the rich history of community bonding on the stoops of Alphabet City. Through thoughtful design and spatial choreography, the installation invites visitors to participate in shaping their communal experiences, reinforcing the sense of belonging and connection within the neighborhood.