AgoraKnit

A PROPOSAL BY JENNY SABIN STUDIO FOR THE CITY OF GLENDALE ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION COMPETITION

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AgoraKnit is a responsive and sustainable civic environment that evolves through community engagement and participation. Its name reflects both its urban and material nature: Agora—meaning a gathering place—and Knit, referencing digital textile fabrication and the creation of a cohesive social fabric. Together, they form a vibrant public space generated through community interaction and innovative design.

As a community-focused urban intervention, AgoraKnit enriches the daily experiences of Glendale’s diverse residents while encouraging moments of pause in an engaging and welcoming environment. Its transformational design makes it a destination for the greater Los Angeles area and visiting tourists. The project includes two performance areas: a modular, movable stage for larger organized events and a tower platform for smaller, spontaneous performances. These elements connect AgoraKnit to Glendale’s broader cultural network, including the Alex Theatre, ACE 121 Gallery, and Brand Library & Art Center, as well as numerous multicultural organizations in the city.

The centerpiece is a suspended responsive canopy made from digitally knitted ePTFE photoluminescent and high-tech fibers. Beneath it are several interactive elements: a steel and cable net tower that also functions as a small stage with circular seating; twelve suspended rope seats offering playful, flexible seating; a modular stage for formal performances; and one hundred spool stools that can be arranged for events or informal gatherings. Additional features include three multipurpose kiosks and an optional misting system to cool the environment. The canopy itself consists of hundreds of digitally knitted cones and cells tensioned into a larger structure. Integrated outdoor lighting activates the space at night, creating a dynamic atmosphere of color, reflection, and shadow.

Client

City of Glendale

Location

Artsakh Avenue South, Glendale Arts and Entertainment District, Glendale, CA

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