In 2016 the Brooklyn-based firm Hou de Sousa submitted a winning proposal for the Folly Competition held by the Architectural League of New York and Socrates Sculpture Park. The goal of the project was to create a newly designed open-air education facility that would act as a permanent replacement to the previous facility which was severely damaged during a storm. Hou de Sousa created a structural space - frame design out of standard dimensional lumber. The structure's  interconnections formed a structural space-frame which acts as a wall and roof system for the facility. Appropriately called Sticks, the project was intended to "ornamentally highlight the design strategies being deployed as well as prototypically demonstrate potential implementations of this construction method at future locations." Due to the facility's design success, the team has created an extension to the project called, Sticks II.

Continuing with the same simplistic materiality as its previous iteration, the design extension features facade details which aid in insulation and cooling throughout the year. The multi-purpose structural system passively cools the space thanks to 4 large barn doors which create large pathways for air to flow through the space. The insulated polycarbonate facade adds a minimal design aesthetic to the structure's exterior while diffusing sunlight when in use. One construction trait Hou de Sousa wanted to ensure was the facility's easy to build nature, storage space, and multi-functionality. 

Sticks II will be used as an art workshop and a teaching space for members of the community to. Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens, NY is a public facility that is open year round. Several artists in residence use the on-site facilities to create and showcase works throughout the year. Simple in design and approach Hou de Sousa creates a useful structural space that emphasizes spatial adaptability and community engagement.

To learn more about Hou de Sousa and their firm view their conversation with Archinect in their Small Studio Snapshot feature.