PLAZA DIEDRICA

Project Details

THEME : URBAN DESIGN

CATEGORY: DESIGN

COLLABORATOR: LOCAL COMMUNITY

DATE: FEBRUARY 2022

This Plaza revitalization process stands as an inspiring testament to the power of community-driven initiatives. The site, once abandoned and relegated to a dump yard for over three decades, has been meticulously resurrected from neglect. What was once an eyesore has now metamorphosed into a thriving testament to communal resolve.

Central to this remarkable transformation is the indomitable spirit of the local community, assuming roles as both patrons and implementers.

While LxS lent a guiding hand in the realm of design, it was the grassroots efforts of the community that breathed life into this rejuvenation. Through heartfelt discussions with neighbors, a unanimous consensus emerged: the space would be reimagined as a Small Urban Forest. A tranquil enclave, where one could seamlessly blend into the lush vegetation, finding solace in its serene embrace, and experiencing the tactile connection with the time-worn embrace of the old brick wall.


During the extensive process of surveys, group discussions, public forums, and spirited debates, we seamlessly integrated a visual and informative narrative, presenting a mosaic of global best practices. Our approach transcended mere data collection; instead, we embarked on a journey to map the intangible—a palpable desire for change. This distinctive strategy evolved into a dynamic think-tank environment, an arena where diverse interventions took shape, intricately tailored to the variables of necessity, implementation timeframe, acceptance, and budget availability.

This concerted effort blossomed into an autonomous ecosystem, one where the locals played a pivotal role as both contributors and beneficiaries. The community's vision coalesced into a captivating narrative—a narrative painted in the vibrant hues of essential spices, sought-after companions in culinary artistry, as well as the soothing tones of tea and mint, cherished staples of chai. This palette of choice guided the transformation, giving rise to a verdant expanse teeming with orchards, flourishing vegetable beds, and an array of blossoms. As the sun cast its summer warmth, this sanctuary beckoned children seeking refuge, swiftly evolving into a playground of joy. The day's end ushered in a congregation of board game enthusiasts, transforming the once-quiet space into a lively realm of camaraderie.

And as we toiled on-site, architects gave way to fellow residents. We became not just observers but integral actors in the community narrative. Side by side with the local workforce, we contributed to the physicality of the project, mixing materials, crafting structures, and orchestrating the ballet of logistics. This immersive approach fostered trust and familiarity, paving the way for candid conversations and the free exchange of opinions. This seamless interaction birthed a fruitful partnership, weaving the tapestry of transformation through a collaborative, friendly, and collective work ethic that yielded innovative and sustainable solutions.


Simultaneously, as the site unfurled its transformation, we gracefully set aside our roles as experts to fully immerse ourselves within the community's tapestry. With a spirit of camaraderie, we walked amongst the locals, shared in their daily lives, and coexisted within the very fabric of their world. In a heartwarming symbiosis, we found ourselves readily assisting the ground team in their labor—be it the artistry of construction, the science of material amalgamation, or the choreography of logistics. Our approach, anchored in humility, cast a welcoming aura that invited the locals to embrace our presence. This newfound comfort paved the way for a symphony of voices to resonate—a chorus of opinions and insights that enriched our perspective.

In a parallel design exploration, a collaborative venture with a local artist gave rise to a wall mural—a visionary overture to the forthcoming garden. Painted at a 1:1 scale, the mural weaves a tapestry of colors, shapes, and patterns, each stroke an ode to the existing and burgeoning trees. Their size, foliage, and placement are elegantly rendered, capturing the essence of growth, continuity, and the garden's promise. To further enhance inclusivity, unoccupied locals were offered meaningful roles—electricians, plumbers, painters—channeling their talents to contribute to the collective transformation, fostering a spirit of shared ownership.

As the final brushstrokes were laid, a shared purpose radiated from the mural, a reflection of the very essence that breathed life into this plaza's renaissance. This artistic tribute transcends brick and mortar, offering a glimpse of the future's lush embrace and fostering a sense of belonging for generations to come.


Meanwhile, the local families extended their benevolence, contributing to our shared endeavor by offering culinary sustenance to the implementation team. This gesture of solidarity not only nurtured the body but also kindled the flame of communal support. Furthermore, our commitment to empowerment bore fruit through skill-building programs, tailored to uplift women and young minds navigating vulnerable circumstances. As we enriched lives through knowledge and hands-on learning, the plaza emerged not only as a physical space but a symbol of transformative change.

In this narrative of unity and reciprocity, the local community stepped into roles of patrons and implementers. Within this holistic synergy, LxS assumed the role of a guiding hand in the design realm. This harmonious coalescence of efforts fashioned a palpable transformation, wherein innovation and sustainability were the driving forces propelling the plaza's evolution.