_2 sunken plaza

The sunken plaza in the city is shaped not only by a 4-meter height difference but also by the surrounding buildings that enclose it. The plaza consists of multiple levels and is connected by staircases. The railings of these stairs are painted red, serving as a visual guide to help pedestrians navigate the space.

3D architectural rendering of a building layout with marked dimensions, including height and width, on a grid background.
A red location marker with the number 2 in white on it, pointing downward.
A map showing a small area with several buildings highlighted in brown, roads around the buildings, and other structures in light gray.

The plaza is structured across two levels, adapting to the natural slope of the mountain. It functions as a multipurpose urban space, integrating social interaction, infrastructure, economic activity, and leisure. Beyond being a social pocket that connects residential areas, the plaza offers leisure opportunities, including terraces and cafés. Additionally, the sidewalks are used by locals to sell goods, transforming the space into a multifunctional space for local informal economic activity.

3D rendered outdoor courtyard with stairs, benches, umbrellas, greenery, parked cars, and walking figures.
3D illustration of an outdoor seating area with steps, trees, bushes, and umbrellas, surrounded by a crowd of people standing on the ground.
View from a staircase looking down a city alley with multi-story residential buildings, colorful walls, potted plants, and a decorated outdoor area with pink and purple balloons.
A detailed architectural drawing of an outdoor patio featuring stairs, umbrellas, trees, bushes, and a fenced area, with several silhouette figures and a parked car.

Since the plaza is sunken between buildings, it naturally facilitates pedestrian movement, as people tend to find it easier to walk downhill. This sunken design also creates a semi-private atmosphere, providing a sense of enclosure and safety, making it an inviting space for people to gather, relax, and socialize.

A man loading supplies into a yellow suitcase on a sidewalk in an urban area with a small outdoor market stand. There are chairs, a table with bottles and packages, and signs in Chinese in the background. The building behind has a textured wall, a window with bars, and various exposed wires.

Lessons learned

Space for multifunctional activities, like informal economical activity

Number 4 inside a red circle with a black background.