You may remember back in December we solicited resident construction proposals for the new Infohubs.
While we did not receive a large number of entries in the design competition, we liked the potential in the proposal brought forward by Chip Poutine. Rather than simply declare Chip the winner of the competition, we decided to work collaboratively with him to refine his initial proposal and turn over the results to the community for further development. As InfoHubs are meant to serve the community, we feel strongly that everyone should have a hand in their development. To this end, we have set up a test location of the current build at:
Mauve 227, 183, 41
At the test location in Mauve you will find two parts to the concept. The first is a full-scale mockup of the proposed infohub design. The second is a small-scale model of a concept to integrate the new infohub into an overall public plaza concept for the entire parcel of land upon which the infohub sits.
In Chip Poutine's words,
"The infohub has been designed as an eye-catching icon that literally draws its structural framework from the in-game map symbol, with the goal of making the infohub locations visible from the SL homepage. This iconic nature will enable residents to clearly associate the build as the place to go for a variety of infohub content. The proposed build also integrates seating to enhance it as an area for resident gathering and conversation.
In addition to the goal of providing an inviting and functional space, the design is also intended to resonate between the reality of architecture and abstraction of graphic design such that it underscores the ephemeral character of information and the paradoxical nature of 'information architecture'.
While it is perhaps desirable to maintain a consistent iconic presence for the infohubs themselves, the overall development of the lands upon which the hubs are placed provide myriad opportunities for localization and personalization. In the case of the scale model developed as a concept for the Mauve site, the property has been developed as a public park that combines both 'hard' plaza space and 'soft' grass and green space, with a variety of formal and informal opportunities for events and gathering. The area is flexible to allow for vendor tents, classes, performances, you name it...and is intended to provide a landscape-focused dialogue for the architectural expression of the infohub itself."
So we invite you to check it out, let us know what you think, and participate in the continued development of the design. Feel free to drop a notecard at the site or IM or email either Torley or myself.