Designed by 100 Architects, Magma Flow stands as a vibrant urban activation project located in Ningbo, China, a bustling port city in Zhejiang Province. This transformative public space, spanning an area of 1350 m², breathes new life into a pedestrian street within a recently developed commercial and residential area. Here’s a closer look at this innovative project:
Urban Activation and Transformation
At the heart of Magma Flow lies a bold vision to transform a pedestrian junction into a dynamic and visually striking public space. The focal point of the design is a series of grand stairs, initially serving as pedestrian access to the second floor of the commercial street. Recognizing the potential to enhance the area’s vibrancy, the architects proposed a radical intervention to colonize the stairs and elevate them from mere functional elements to iconic urban landmarks.
A Volcanic Landscape of Activity
The redesigned stairs now resemble a volcanic eruption, teeming with public activity and interaction. Multiple amphitheaters at different levels provide platforms for socializing and relaxation, while shading structures evoke the imagery of eruptive processes while offering respite from the sun. Slides integrated into the design add a playful element, allowing visitors to descend as if traversing flowing lava.
Multifunctional Plaza and Playful Elements
At ground level, a sprawling plaza resembling a flow of magma injects color and vitality into the urban landscape. This multifunctional space offers a plethora of activities for both children and adults, including seating areas, mahjong and tic-tac-toe tables, and a lounge area. For children, the plaza features swings, seesaws, slides, and other playful elements, creating an engaging environment for exploration and play.
A Hub of Entertainment and Attraction
Magma Flow emerges as a beacon of urban attraction and entertainment within the new commercial and residential development. Its incandescent design and diverse range of activities make it a hotspot for residents and visitors alike, fostering community engagement and social interaction. By reimagining urban spaces as dynamic environments for leisure and recreation, Magma Flow exemplifies the potential for creative placemaking to enrich the fabric of urban life.
