Urban Confluence Silicon Valley announced Breeze of Innovation, designed by Fernando Jerez and Belen Perez de Juan of SMAR Architecture Studio, has been named winner of the worldwide open ideas competition for an iconic landmark in Silicon Valley. The competition jury, comprised of local, national, and international design and place-making experts, selected the winner from an impressive 963 submissions from 72 countries on 6 continents. The project, located at Arena Green at Guadalupe Park and Gardens in San José, will go before the city council in May 2021 for final approval.
“Breeze of Innovation represents the future of San José and Silicon Valley,” said San José Mayor Sam Liccardo. “This innovative design gives us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring our entire community together by creating an extraordinary physical symbol, unlike anything seen before, that truly shows the world who we are.”
Intended to sway in the wind, the winning design utilizes the natural movement of 1000 dynamic rods to create a dramatic visual effect while generating enough power to light the structure, giving it a strong presence both day and night. Breeze of Innovation envisions a conical void within a 200-foot tower, creating a unique vertical space, multiple levels of walkways, and a dramatic viewing platform offering incredible 360-degree views from the top of the structure. The design will also incorporate an exhibition space and room for a café, among other features meant to inspire interaction and activation of the site and surroundings.
“Our goal from the beginning was to capture the ever-changing magic of Silicon Valley while also creating a deep connection with the San Jose community". said designer Fernando Jerez. “This is why we came up with the idea of designing a dynamic landmark, one that is alive, moving with the wind and light, a magical place inspired by Silicon Valley that contains a large space of light inside, a tribute to the San Jose Electric Light Tower of 1881. We want visitors to enjoy a unique experience on their ascent, connecting with the memory of the Valley while dreaming of the possibilities of the future”.
“We are extremely excited to announce Breeze of Innovation as the winner of our design competition,” says Jon Ball, Board Chair of Urban Confluence Silicon Valley. “This entry stood out because of its elegant and sophisticated visual style, representing Silicon Valley through vibrant motion and singular grace on an imposing scale. A living landmark, this design is destined to have a positive and profound impact on our community.”
“We are extremely excited to announce Breeze of Innovation as the winner of our design competition,” says Jon Ball, Board Chair of Urban Confluence Silicon Valley. “This entry stood out because of its elegant and sophisticated visual style, representing Silicon Valley through vibrant motion and singular grace on an imposing scale. A living landmark, this design is destined to have a positive and profound impact on our community.”
