Started from the design project of San Jose confluence, what kind of iconic architecture will be suitable for it in modern urban and socio-context? With its unique site situation, historical background, and contemporary position of high-tech industry, it is reasonable and necessary to discuss the meaning and role of landscape and to analyze the city and site deeply before provide the design strategy and object.
The site is located at San Jose, in San Francisco, USA. It is full of special plants and history, bordered by West Santa Clara Street from the south, North Autumn Street to the west, West St. John Street from the north, and State Road 87 (Guadalupe Parkway Road) from the east. Here is also the confluence of the Guadalupe River and Los Gatos Creek River, which is converging north of Santa Clara Street and just east of the SAP centre. The urban functions of the surrounding are commercial uses (such as the SAP Centre) and residential uses. Not only artificial elements are important but the natural elements such as plants and water also have an influence on site. Plants, water, pave and monuments form the current green park in which the local people will go in leisure.
On the other hand, how to represent “the spirit of nature” and to go further with its aboriginal history are the crucial concept in this design project. In other words, there are two main topics in this design project. One is the representing of nature and identity and the other is the relation between the park on-site and the design object.