INNOVATING AN INNOVATION DISTRICT

INTRO: A truly innovative innovation district rethinks design at a systemic level, not just individual elements. This conceptual example of an innovation district challenges even the most standard elements of a city, envisioning an entire district formed from one continuous surface—a surface that can be pushed and pulled for different uses. Imagine a single, adaptable, kinetic unit from which structures can emerge. This surface is designed to be adjustable, helping to future-proof the area’s infrastructure. I wanted to explore an alternative district-sized space unbound by typical city restrictions—a space where nothing hinders the realization of innovative ideas for the built environment.

INNOVATION DISTRICTS SHOULD BE:

MINIMALLY RESTRICTIVE

In most situations, innovation at the city or district level is held captive to building restrictions and zoning laws. An Innovation District should be a place to negotiate these rules for the purpose of improvement. Rules are often restrictive to novelty and something needs to be done to speed up the process of built environment innovation. 

ADJUSTABLE

Having a flexible, temporary, and adjustable structure encompassing the district allows for continual change without the implications of being stuck with a change for 10 years. Without this principle, an innovation district becomes a static element in time, much like Disney’s Epcot. Entities taking part in the innovation district must agree to have business plans that implement constant change. 

INNOVATIVE AT ALL LEVELS

An innovation district has to encourage innovation in a diverse range of possibilities. It's innovating the design of the architecture and interactive elements, but also perhaps encouraging a new format for the organization of a business or a novel restaurant concept. Innovation takes place in many forms that are often not marketed by innovation districts.

INTERACTION ORIENTED

An innovation district has to be designed in a way to encourage social interactions in as many places and as often as possible. Knowledge spillover and innovation are born from diverse interactions.