Portfolio_Sharma_Karan

The project proposes the activation of public alleys in downtown Calgary by implementing
a series of |naturally inspired pieces of infrastructure. These artifacts are specifically
designed to improve the quality of “secondary” or “inactive” urban spaces, as well as providing
amenities for visitors.
Designed as “tree structures”, the prefabricated modular furniture units are asseembled
to create places for people to meet, relax, and hang out in the alley. The units can also be
integrated with features such as lighting fixtures, phone charging stations, and outdoor
heaters. The tree structures also support a permeable canopy that reduces the scale of
the alley — creating a “ceiling” to effect a more comfortable, human-scaled environment.
The canopy is built using a cable-net structure and tensile fabric structures that provide a
degree of weather protection while still allowing rain water and snow to reach the ground.
This project has been designed to work collaboratively with an innovative permeable paving
system that allows rainwater to infiltrate into the ground and permits vegetation to
thrive in an urban context.
Left:Opening ceremony of
GAP(green alley project),an initiative
by CMLC Calgary to revitalise downtown
alleys.