The Orange Cube
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Jakob & Macfarlane Architects
The following project emphasizes the use and importance of thresholds all through out the project. The simple orthogonal
cube into which one giant hole/ primary threshold is carved, responds to the necessities of light, air flow, and views.
This hole creates a void, piercing the building horizontally from the river side inwards and upwards through the roof terrace. The secondary thresholds can be seen in the light façade. it consists of random openings and is completed by another façade, pierced with pixilated patterns that accompany the movement of the river.
Program: Retail
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Project Completion: 2011
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Architects: Jakon & Macfarlane
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Location: Lyon, France
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Hours of operation: Mon- Fri
9:00- 4:00
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The following diagrams analyze the relationship between the thresholds of the structure and the human interactions in the interior and exterior.
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The two primary thresholds were strategically placed in the pedestrian level as well as the high rise level to assure interaction in both planes.
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The ground level threshold, although significantly smaller in size, still successfully engulfs the pedestrian traffic into the main entrance.
The larger threshold plays a different but equally important role. While it can interact with the pedestrian traffic it is more successful in doing so at further distances. This threshold also differs as it interacts with those in its interior of the structure. It establishes an improved view and airflow that interact with the main street and river directly across.