Building the Essence was a workshop created with students at Veritas University in Costa Rica. The students were asked to explore materials they liked but without existing preconceptions of how they should be used. After the participants created joinery and shapes out of their chosen materials, we asked them to propose a structure that could be placed in a local park, encouraging more public use of the landscape.
The final object was formed of recycled plastic string that was weaved repeatedly to create a space that could be entered and laid upon. While lying on the bed-like structure, visitors could look up at the tree canopy, a view which was seldom enjoyed. The result was an increase in the use of the park, proving that innovative design and simple materials can create shared public experiences that delight and entertain.