Howard Square - Sheffield is dominated by geometric shapes and patterns; window frames, tiling, paving etc, all of which contribute towards the re-occurring aesthetic. Equally, the site contains a variety of different buildings; mid to late 20th century blocks and towers from the last decade stand in amongst 19th century shops and warehouses, revealing a city that is forever developing yet reluctant to forget its rich industrial heritage. What's more, the site takes a prime position along the `golden route' which serves as a main passage in and out of the city via the train station. In conjunction with the pedestrian traffic from the station, the square is heavily used by students; it is the focal point for Sheffield Hallam University, with surrounding buildings nearby and the union situated right in the centre.

Our kiosk proposal as a shisha smoking facility made us question the smoking ban
laws. This debate came to the forefront of our design process and we put forward
a scheme that blurred the line between legal and illegal, through a series of
strategically placed geometric shapes which created a sense of ambiguity between
outdoor and indoor spaces. Furthermore, we were also able to emphasise this
notion of ambiguity by making some of the move-able; enabling them to be slotted
out of other cubes or dragged up from the ground, thus only providing temporary
shelter. We were of the opinion that by providing a minimal floor plan and by
arranging the cubes in a particular way, the authorities would not be able to
distinguish any major threshold to our kiosk, as it dispersed into and around the
site on Howard Square.
laws. This debate came to the forefront of our design process and we put forward
a scheme that blurred the line between legal and illegal, through a series of
strategically placed geometric shapes which created a sense of ambiguity between
outdoor and indoor spaces. Furthermore, we were also able to emphasise this
notion of ambiguity by making some of the move-able; enabling them to be slotted
out of other cubes or dragged up from the ground, thus only providing temporary
shelter. We were of the opinion that by providing a minimal floor plan and by
arranging the cubes in a particular way, the authorities would not be able to
distinguish any major threshold to our kiosk, as it dispersed into and around the
site on Howard Square.