INTERCHANGE

Heavily influenced by its surroundings and history, this project recognizes the modern San Jose that exists as a unique byproduct of interplay between cultural and technological developments. These new technologies and their effect on media have revolutionized the way we think, feel, and live, ultimately forging a vastly interconnected society.

The design is a transformative symbol demonstrated through sculptural architectural moments, dramatic lighting effects, and integrated mixed-use program, producing a new urban identity with an “impressive physical presence that will become a powerful and enduring symbol of how Silicon Valley operates as a bridge from past to present to future.” Interchange addresses these desires in a multitude of ways:

Interchange activates the site at both day and night through the incorporation of two distinct lighting elements: a tower and a next-gen billboard. The tower provides a highly-visible vertical light effect and acts as a beacon to the site. The billboard element provides a dynamic horizontal lighting display, drawing in the public from the site’s periphery and communicating both media and culture at a large scale.

This project also proposes a unique integration of mixed-use programs providing civic, entertainment, commercial, and educational spaces. One of the key experiences is the History of Technology and Media Museum, designed as a timeline to carry users through the past, present, and future of San Jose and its contributions to technology more broadly. In turn, the exhibition yields the professional and technical achievements of Silicon Valley accessible to the public at-large.

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2020 | San Jose, California

Urban Confluences Light Tower Competition

Project Team: Ilko Iliev, Chris Donatello, Anthony Mull

Program: Mixed-Use, Museum, Urban Plaza