CONNECTED CANOPY

“Connected Canopy” is a Creative Generation project made in collaboration with Cambodian Living Arts

The Connected Canopy is a site-specific project that operates at the intersection of art, architecture and community. It is an architectural intervention at the home of Cambodian Living Arts that will provide a space for community gatherings, events and a safe space for personal expression.

The design for the Connected Canopy will be chosen from applications submitted by teams of young Cambodian creatives. Each team must include at least one architect, one artist, and one engineer. They are required to collaborate, leveraging their diverse skills and ideas to fulfill the design criteria of the project. To bring their vision to life, they will receive mentorship and support every step of the way.

At the heart of this project is the concept of connection through active involvement of community. With this as our guiding principle, the process is as important as the final outcome. The winning design team must strategize on how to effectively engage the community through participatory practices. They should emphasize the significance of collaborative space creation. Numerous methods exist for integrating community participation, starting from the conceptual stage through construction, and even incorporating interactive design elements to encourage visitor engagement with the structure.

Design with a purpose:
With this project, our goal is to offer young creatives the chance to explore participatory architectural processes and to expand their practice through collaboration. The Connected Canopy will provide a space for the CLA community of artists to meet, share and present a program of public events. This is a unique opportunity for young creatives in Cambodia to create a space that is socially innovative, offering an exciting design challenge for those involved. Furthermore, the project is an opportunity for emerging creatives to work with experts in art, architecture and community development.

Throughout the project, the young designers will complete several tasks useful for developing their professional skills:
• Submit a design concept and master plan
• Respond to client requirements
• Work with suppliers and vendors
• Test and manage material construction
• Engage communities to participate in various ways
• Create and follow a budget
• Speak with the press
• Give a designer talk

Submitting projects must consider the following:
FUNCTIONALITY: The canopy should be designed with functionality in mind, creating a practical space for community use. It should accommodate various activities including meetings, live performances and public events. Additionally, as it is a semi-permanent installation it should be designed and constructed for use in all weather, throughout the year.

BEAUTY: While the canopy is expected to provide shelter and space for events, it is equally important that it is aesthetically pleasing and visually appealing. It is an open theme, and the design teams are given complete freedom to explore innovative and creative solutions.

PARTICIPATION: The final requirement is to incorporate a participatory element in the canopy design. The design teams have the flexibility to decide whether to integrate this element during the construction phase or as an interactive feature of the canopy itself. The first approach involves designing a structure from various pieces contributed by community members. The alternative option entails a design with interactive elements that allow visitors to touch, alter, or interact with them.