A closer look into Sponge, a Chicago Lakefront Kiosk entry by Joseph Choma

The anticipated results of the Chicago Lakefront Kiosk competition will be revealed on August 3, just a few days away. In preparation for the first Chicago Architecture Biennial, architects worldwide proposed kiosk designs inspired by the Windy City and its Lake Michigan waterfront.  The winning proposal — in addition to three more kiosks designed by architects in collaboration with students from local Chicago architecture schools — will be constructed for the Biennial. The winning kiosk is expected to become a permanent lakefront landmark even after the exhibition gates have closed.

As another teaser before the winning announcement, Joseph Choma of Design Topology Lab shared his competition entry, entitled "Sponge". The multi-purpose Sponge is an engaging experiment with the kiosk typology and, as Choma describes, it questions our perception of spatial boundaries.

Read more about it below.

Project description:

"A kiosk is an unusual architectural typology, in that it is both an object and building -- a product and place. Inspired by a sponge, this kiosk challenges how we perceive and engage with spatial boundaries."

"A cone packing structure revolves around a common center point as it mediates between two boundary definitions. The ­first is a 10' x 20' x 10' box, while the second is a sphere which has been flattened."

"There is a confluence between the curved interior and extruded exterior. Each cone which surrounds the atmosphere provides a unique function, including: an entrance, zone of transaction, window displays, internal shelving, and primary and secondary signage."

"When not being used for commercial activity, the kiosk transforms into an art canvas. The cones become a new constraint for artists to invent, ranging from performances to urban video projections."

"The kiosk would be fabricated like a giant surfboard utilizing high density foam and ­fiberglass as its primary materials. It is proposed to be located on the Northern tip of the Oak Street Beach in Chicago -- a dynamic threshold condition between the beach, bicycle path, and pedestrian underpass."

Check out more Lakefront Kiosk entries here and here. You can also find more of Joseph Choma's work on Bustler here.