Systems OMA – Strategy : Point Grids/Confetti

The design strategy of OMA, like all their other projects gives a lot of importance to function and programme. In Parc De La Villette this is taken care of by relatively small elements that are dispersed on the site like confetti. This distribution is in the form of a point grid that recognizes the need based on their desirable frequency. The relationship between the strips and the point grid that the elements on the grid can occur in different zones, which makes them acquire and influence their base zone. This leads to the formation of accidental clustering, creating constellations of elements with unique configurations and character. Here, once again we notice the act of permutations and combinations employed that unlike Tschumi’s strict grid, play around while still creating a language of identical, recognizable, strong elements, almost like small meteorites hitting the surface with tectonic confetti.

In order to reap the best benefits of the previous two layers, the access and circulation system ensures that they are exploited intensively. The two main elements of this system are The Boulevard and The Promenade. The Boulevard runs north-south and intersects the bands systematically while also connecting the major architectural components. It also represents the 24-hour part of the programme, encompassing activities that would be open all night. This would also lure the people with the metropolitan lifestyle to indulge in and enhance the social environment Promenade, on the other hand, is created through the identification of certain significant plazas that would attract and capitalize on high intensity activities and programmatic interests This results in the creation of sites within the site, which cater to multiple functions based on their morphological needs The strips work alongside these major elements, connecting all the nodes and creating a circulation system that works like the form of the figure ‘8’ . 9