Clip It Where You Want It

Aug 31

Fence add-ons that improve waiting experiences

This idea was originally submitted in French.

By: A4 architecture + design

The main street in Gatineau’s is a dynamic hub of the city. Shops, institutions, religious places, parks, and even a weekly market rub shoulders there.

The COVID19 pandemic has changed the boundary between public and private and enclosed spaces need to become more open to the outside. For this we must fully use and invest in streets, sidewalks and parking spaces. The different actors of Alymer’s main street are mobilizing to find solutions which in many cases involves wayfinding and signage. After undertaking an indepth study of Aylmer’s main street, several concepts were developed for adapted and ergonomic comfort for users. This submission focuses on one of those ideas:

Queues in front of shops, while previously used sparingly, have become regular parts of life. This design proposes a series of modules which clip onto the fences of certain businesses. They were designed with the aim of improving customer waiting times and even allow vendors to use them as extra spaces.

Their dimensions vary depending on the size of the fence and some are usable only on low fences.

Waiting in line becomes fun and pleasant over a drink, while leaning or even sitting down. It is a transitional space between public space and retail space.

Details

Budget: The "Clip It Where You Want It" modules have a total budget of $700 for all the modules, i.e. 5 modules (based on retail prices at a hardware store). Construction elements (folding brackets, angles, wood screws and base for terrace), treatment products (white paint and water repellent protector) are included in the budget. Labour is not included because these modules have been simply designed, allowing all interested parties, to carry them out themselves or to have them built by a vendor of their choice.

Materials and fabrication: The "Clip It Where You Want It" modules are made of: Bleached water-repellant oriented strand board (OSB) These elements can be purchased in hardware stores by an individual and can be assembled easily. Manufacturing steps:

The OSB will be cut and painted white (one coat only) and finally treated with water repellent.
All these elements will be assembled using folding squares, angles and wood screws.

These modules are easily implemented and can be modified in multiple ways according to the needs.

Installation and other services: The modules have been designed to be easily removable and transportable.