NoMATERIA 2020 | Balance

“El Cubo de Caracas is the result of a year-long collaboration with the British Council,
which began with a call for UK designers to work on a project for public space.
After a first visit to Venezuela in October 2018, the architect Will Sandy worked with Incursions
in the design of this small prefabricated installation that would occupy public
spaces in different communities of the city for periods of three months.
El Cubo de Caracas was conceived as a device capable of promoting cultural, educational
and social exchanges within the community. As a catalyst, it seeks to increase
the opportunities for interaction and exchange in contexts where the infrastructure for
these activities is insufficient, with the aspiration that they acquire enough momentum
to continue when the piece is moved to another destination. Thus, the cube aspires to
identify opportunities and aptitudes, giving its users agency in defining activities and
uses of public space at a time when the urban and social fabric of the city is in terrible
condition.
As a tool, the piece seeks to actively involve the citizen in its use and operation. Its flexible
design allows multiple configurations that can support a wide range of activities;
classes, community meetings and events, exhibitions or basketball.
The piece consists of a steel structure with pivoting metal and wooden components,
which can be easily installed and operated. The cube can be transported whole or as a
kit of parts. It is robust and attractive at the same time, specific but flexible, generating
a framework while leaving enough tolerance to allow uses and appropriations that
were not anticipated.”