Completed July 2012 in Stuttgart, Germany, the winners of the 72 Hour Urban Action competition were recently announced. With only three days and nights to design and build interventions in public space, 120 creative people, working in 10 international teams stormed sites along the Wagenhallen area and Nordbahnhof street in the center of the city, where the much debated redevelopment plan of Stuttgart 21 has its most immediate and significant effect. The first prize went to team TÜFTLER, for creating a non-judgemental courtyard in response to their Toy Parking mission. More images and information on the winning teams after the break.
Teams responded to local needs in missions that were assigned to them on takeoff day. They occupied the sites, washing the street with passion and stylish orange overalls, working day and night together with residents, to give the area ten new public spaces and installations. From the jury: “We all know that architecture is a slow process, however we all know that architectural thinking is fast. 72HUA is the closest to architectural thinking in action. To witness it, to be part of it, is an empowering experience for anyone interested in the possibilities of rapid and real change in the city.”
The first prize winning team, TÜFTLER, in consultation with the residents, have removed an old barrier and bicycle rack and placed an urban living room in its place, thus opening up the hidden street but keeping the area safe for kids to play in, and impossible for cars to block. They managed to create a space for gathering of all kinds, in an inviting, beautiful and playful design.
The 2nd Prize and a Festool power drill prizes went to team BOB’s DREAMTEAM, for responding to the Liminal Respect mission and for creating intimacy in a public space.
