THE IN-BETWEEN NIGHT SPACE

Through the use of wall stabilization structures, we propose the use of empty spaces in the city of Santiago to create different public spaces at night. The metallic structures are the support to create types of seating and public furniture but also to illuminate and activate these plots during the night.

The center of Chile’s capital receives a daily floating population of 1.8 million people. The city has undergone changes due to gentrification and densification among others issues, which has resulted in a lack of public spaces. If these spaces are scarce for daytime citizens, what is left for nighttime citizens? Taking advantage of the empty lots that exist in the city, the project aims to create a network of building-artifacts that works as public spaces to accommodate the night workers of downtown Santiago: street sweepers, cardboard recyclers, food deliverers, security guards, street food vendors, etc. These night citizens make a daily contribution to the city’s economy and urban ecology. They are part of the practical functioning cycle of the city, but many of them remain clandestinity, becoming a type of second (or third) class citizen. The night can be a dangerous and hostile place in south american cities. The aim of this project is to reverse the feeling of abandonment and oblivion towards these workers, and to develop new ways of transforming these cities. Public spaces allow citizens to meet and recognize each other, to be aware and active about political and social issues, to enjoy leisure and resting times… we have to see what happens during the night.