U-GROUND: New Taipei City Hall Community Lounge | PingPoong Atelier

Name of the submitted project or idea (in English or both English and your language)

U-GROUND: New Taipei City Hall Community Lounge
URL of a video introducing the work（under 5 minutes）

https://youtu.be/_exeR68XjCE?si=9Y5dcujFyzQX_Ye7
Detailed explanation of the submitted project or idea (in English or both English and your language)

This project has been meticulously planned to emphasize renewable materials and integrate delightful design elements, while prioritizing the conservation of Earth's resources. The space design incorporates low-carbon, modular, and recyclable materials.
How does your work address the 3 P’s (for Planet, for People, for Profit) for Sustainability?

U-GROUND, a renovation project in New Taipei City Hall's underground area, addresses issues such as lack of seats, poor lighting, low ceilings, and visitor disorientation. The 'U' in the design symbolizes 'Circular' and 'Underground', integrating the spirit and color of the SDGs. The U-belt ceiling connects spaces as wayfinding, using SDG colors in a gradient to guide visitors between the two main staircases linking the main lobby to the basement. U-GROUND utilizes eco-friendly materials like repurposed plastic crates transformed into modular blocks on wheels. These blocks can be rearranged into seats, tables, and carts for flexible use. The composition includes wooden panels with cushions enveloped in recycled fabric, hanging lamps made from recycled fishing nets, and a hinged system that provides storage spaces. The project incorporates spaces for social events such as exhibitions and flea markets. Wooden peg boards integrated into cabinetry enhance acoustic qualities and serve as versatile display walls. Focused on circular economy principles, U-GROUND minimizes human intervention and adopts low-carbon construction methods to reduce environmental impact and waste generation.
Keywords

#Modularity #Material #Furniture
If you have a website for your submitted project or idea, please provide the URL
If you have a social media account for your submitted project or idea, please provide the URL
Special Prize Question 1: "Empowering nature to create a new loop”: How does your work strengthen or support nature’s ability to capture and convert waste into valuable resources? How does your work advance industry practices by introducing nature-positive alternatives?

This project design incorporates low-carbon, modular, and recyclable materials. The design principle revolves around modular furniture that is easy to assemble, disassemble, and move. The primary material comprises low-carbon wood composite layers, with seat cushions crafted from recycled materials and discarded fishing nets ingeniously repurposed into striking lamps. It minimizes human intervention and adopts low-carbon construction methods to reduce carbon footprint and waste generation. It seamlessly integrates new and reclaimed materials. Construction was executed without disrupting service operations, minimizing pollution and encouraging visitors to reflect on sustainability while using the rest area.
Special Prize Question 2: “Regenerating ecosystems”: In what inspiring ways does your work contribute to the restoration and stabilization of natural ecosystems?

The innovative process involves repurposing recyclable plastic crates, transforming them into modular blocks mounted on wheels. These blocks can be rearranged to create seats, tables, and mobile carts. By creatively reconfiguring a single crate in various ways, we've developed multiple functional products. Overcoming dimensional limitations has challenged us to devise a versatile system that accommodates various purposes. The composition of the product comprises of wooden panels overlaid with cushions enveloped in recycled fabric with a feature of hinged system that provide storage spaces. We're exploring flexibility to adapt to changing needs, ensuring these materials can be reused before eventual recycling.
Special Prize Question 3: “Education and storytelling”: How does your work make complex bioeconomy concepts accessible and engaging?

This project incorporates designated spaces for social events such as exhibitions and flea markets. The integration of wooden peg boards into cabinetry enhances acoustic qualities, creating a warm atmosphere while serving as a versatile display wall. This setup accommodates activities such as reading, dining, communication, and various other needs. Additionally, to encourage eco-friendly practices, the installation includes water dispensers, child-friendly sinks, and recycling bins tailored for different materials. This initiative promotes hygiene, reduces the reliance on disposable utensils, and minimizes single-use plastics. While construction was executed without disrupting service operations, minimizing pollution and encouraging visitors to reflect on sustainability while using the rest area.