The Pointillsime Square, designed by architect Alberto Menozzi, has a flexible design approach inspired by the circular markers used in parks during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure social distancing. The project reinterprets these circles, which originally symbolized segregation, into public gathering spaces. It employs a grid system based on circles with a diameter of 2.5 meters, arranged in a 3×3 matrix, with each area designated for a specific function, such as studying, relaxing, dining, playing, and performing. The areas are arranged in order from the quietest to the most noisy, determining the layout of the space.
To introduce diversity and adaptability, the design approach employs "deformation" techniques such as twisting, flattening, extruding, sinking, and lifting. This creates a dynamic landscape where each area offers a unique spatial experience. This approach also incorporates color to enhance visual appeal and aid navigation, further emphasizing the playfulness of the environment.
Architect Alberto Menozzi reviews the ways in which public spaces have been reshaped during the pandemic and offers a forward-looking solution. By translating functional responses into creative interventions, it shows how open spaces can be transformed into places of interaction and connection. The design retains the original grid structure, but enriches its layering, adding complexity and surprise, encouraging new social uses of the urban area.
The plaza is not a single installation, but a reproducible system that adapts to different urban environments. This approach enhances public spaces by creating areas of aggregation and interaction while maintaining a unique visual identity. It reflects the possibilities that arise from the constraints, reimagining the urban space as a flexible environment that meets both social needs and aesthetic considerations.
Project Information:
Project name: Poitillisme Square
Architect: Alberto Menozzi Architects