Project Description

Context and Design Intention: In busy public places like metro stations, billing counters, huge lobbies, and event entrances, there is always one big problem: too many people gathering in one spot. When large groups of people try to move through exit points or wait in front of counters, it creates a mess. This congestion makes it hard to walk and causes stress for everyone. The main intention of this project is to solve this problem. The goal is to take a small, crowded area and turn it into a smooth space that guides people where they need to go. By organizing the crowd, we can make the movement much easier and faster. 

Selected Lens: Flow and Movement. The project looks at the problem through the lens of "Flow." Just like water needs a clear pipe to move smoothly, people need a clear path to walk without bumping into each other. The design does not just block people; it actively guides them. It changes a blocked, static group of people into a moving, flowing line. The 10m^3 Constraint and Shape. The biggest challenge of this competition was the 10 cubic meter limit. This is a very small volume to work with. If we tried to make a straight line for a queue, it would take up too much floor space and go outside the allowed volume. To solve this, the design uses a "loop" shape. By twisting the line into a spiral or a loop inside the 10 cubic meter box, we can fit a much longer path in a small space. This shape allows many people to stand in line within the compact volume without feeling cramped. Spatial Strategy and Materials: The strategy is to use a flexible and modular system. Instead of heavy walls, the design uses lightweight partitions supported by rails and frames. These frames create a clear linear path inside the space. Because the design is modular, it is very easy to assemble and take apart. If a metro station is busy in the morning but empty at night, this structure can be set up quickly and then removed later. It is a temporary solution for a permanent problem. User Experience Narrative: For the people using it, the experience changes completely. Usually, waiting in a crowd is boring and annoying. This design makes the wait flexible and playful. The form of the structure is interesting to look at, and it clearly shows people where to stand and where to move next. It removes the confusion of "who is next?" and makes the waiting time feel shorter and more organized. The playful shape turns a boring queue into an enjoyable part of their journey.