The project “PERI5COPE” designed as an “Architecture School Tower” by Niculae Grama, Valentin Ionascu, Mihai Chisarau, and Marius Pandele from Romania has been chosen as the 2nd Prize winner for the [DUBAI109] competition held and organized by [ AC-CA ] (Architectural Competition Concours d’Architecture). The team focused on the architectural approach of analyzing the surrounding context from natural elements to the patterns of social and cultural interactions, implementing the level of understanding into their project. They also focused on the importance of having a 360-degree perspective that does not necessarily take place on a typical horizontal atmosphere, therefore the need to broaden the range of view was necessary to achieve a unique experience.The shape of the periscope allows students to enlarge their perspective as they progress vertically but also allows them to see at a larger distance horizontally at a wider perspective. The periscope now becomes a symbol that represents a kind of smooth, gradual progression from a horizontal context into a vertical context. On top of the general ground floor consists of 5 periscope structural towers that allow the 360-degree view to be experienced. This creates a very interesting structural typology that would generally engage and enhance students observation skills. Also, the number of years at a university level, which is five years was also a kind of design factor that propelled the need for five towers. The tower also illustrates the use of individual structures all rooted at the same base, merging with one another to create a kind of unified experience through a collaborative input.
By Amal Dirie