I have just recieved the second of the two books I requested from BAC library. They are "Retrofitting Suburbia urban design solutions for redesigning suburbs" and "Urban Design for an Urban Century placemaking for people." As I begin to look into the pages of these books I hope to find ideas and studies that have been done that can help me decide what has been done before, what works, what doesn't, and what can be improved on. The "retrofitting suburbia" book has several case studies done throughout the US and Canada that should help me learn more about the task I am taking on.

Reflections

Reflections corresponding to models below in posts.

Models 1A and 1B- Part A described 3 areas that each had development and different pieces or architecture.  Reaction Model B showed that by taking different pieces (architecture) the middle area (my thesis site) could be transformed into something else and maintain its tie to the surroundings.

Models 2A and 2B- Part A showed 10 nuts and bolts. 8 of which were shown with a completed connection. 2 of which were strewn throughout the model.  The larger bolts created a gateway to the spaces on the edges of the model (representing short north and campus). Reaction Model B showed complete connections throughout and each connection was interlaced with string to represent possible connections from the short north to campus including my thesis site.  The string shows endless possibilities for connection of the 3 areas.

Models 3A and 3B- Part A shows that change in eminent. And is ironically represented by change. The change is thrown throughout in a somewhat unorganized chaotic pattern representing the 3 areas and no tie between them. Reaction Model B shows removal of some of the change and it transitions into a paper currently that is folded into the shape of a butterfly. The butterfly represents new life and possibilities among the spaces and represents the change from one scheme to a newer more lively scheme.

Spare Change? Models 3A and 3B

The last series of models describes change and transition. The need for change is shown very non-symbolicly by actual change. In the reaction model I transitioned $1 worth of change into a paper dollar folded into the shape of a butterfly. The butterfly is representative of new life. And a transformation in the space.

Models 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B

The first two models represent the two distinct areas of my thesis. Campus, The Missing Link, and Short North. I used the first model to show that there is something worthwhile in each part yet there isn't a complete link between the three. The second model is a reaction to the missing "link". I wanted to represent using items (could be materials, concepts, ideas) from each area to bring together a unification and connection in the Missing Link Area.

The last two models also represent the missing link but in a different way. The nuts and bolts represent connection and the location of these items describes an entry point or "gateway" into these areas. The unconnected bolts and nuts in the central area represent my site location. In the 4th model it is a response to model 3. The string represents a weaving connection from the 3 areas. Each area is tied to the other areas through multiple points from buildings to points of interest and so forth.

I have been doing some thinking in the last couple days and although I do not know what my "big idea" entails yet I do know some of the options I want to consider. As my photographs of my site area (9.14.09) show there is a lot of potential in the area for change. I know I want to revamp or rebuild student housing and some of the apartments in the area. There is a nice looking abandoned building at the Campus edge of my site that I would like to reuse for a purpose that is to be determined. There are 3 current structures on the site that I will be keeping as is 1) the Kroger grocery store, the proposal for the new construction of it fits in nicely to the area and matches my vision of how it should be. 2) the library, although i have yet to get a better picture of this area the building is pretty impressive architecturally and was built in the 90's so it is still a great building and has good visual appeal from the street. 3) There is a new construction documented in my photographs that also ties in well with where my surroundings have potential to go, all that needs done is to change the connected building to match better with the new construction. Other than that I want to integrate green space into the area to entice visitors walking by and also the ones that will one day be on the streetcar line that will run though the site. As far as the big idea i want to incorporate green strategies not only in the structure but also to carry on throughout Columbus as a whole. This structure could be a museum of green design and intents or a type of hands on learning center. At this point its cloudy to what this will be although I do need to narrow it down soon.

I constructed a study model to show the connection/transition in an abstract way between Campus and the Short North. The brownish-purple strands of paper represent buildings and architecture. The green paper is representative of people and gathering/activity areas. Each of these areas connects different parts of the site to each other as it moves towards Campus and Short North. Short North is represented in the model by the wire mesh arch. The orange paper is High Street and the streets that cross it. The yellow paper is showing the traffic flow down high street since this is the most heavily traveled area by vehicles. This morning I also took photographic documentation of the Short North area. These images can be found here. Short North Photographs The images show very well the level of development in this area along with the visible art in the form of building murals and galleries.

I want to touch on the neighboring communities to help explain what is beyond my site. The image here is the current land use of the Weinland Park Area (East of my site). The buildings directly on the east side of high street for my thesis area are in the Weinland Park District. This image gives a better explanation of what is going on outside the boundary of my site. (all the images are click-able and open a larger view)

 

The map above is an overall land use of the surroundings area. The grayed area is my thesis site. The map below outlines the Historic Districts of Columbus. Each Historic District is considered a separate "community" in the greater Columbus Area.

New Images taken of Connection Area. 9.14.2009

I took a few images of the connection area this evening. I plan to take pictures of the Short North and Campus Areas later on this week. Stay Tuned for updates to the pictures.

General Ideas of my thesis

In response to some of the feedback I have received there are more links to this area than I am thinking as to now. Like I mentioned in a post to Chris there is a definite age difference between Campus and Short North. It almost seems to me like the "college age/college at heart" people seem to stop at the edge of the South Campus Gateway. Then nothing really happens at that point until one reaches the Short North. At this point the mood turns to more mature surroundings. Gallery events, nicer restaurants, more of a grown up area all around. As Chris keeps bringing up about transition in my area and trying to guide a person from youth towards adulthood and vice versa an interesting idea that I have been brewing over has come to my thoughts again. Why does my thesis area just have to be a transition area (all and all that is a valuable idea) but how could it be treated as a "meeting" place for all ages. Since the age factor of the inhabitants isn't necessarily a deciding factor of who can be where why can't the middle space be shared among all ages. Even take it lower than college students, find a way to start with children. Add parks, museums, hands-on learning experiences for all ages tot-senior citizens. This ties in with one of my posts or sketches (that might not be posted here) about bringing something to this area that is useful to the whole community. A community center could be nice or an art center perhaps? Also heavily in my mind is still green building techniques, I came across several resources describing Columbus' tactics for green design. For example any new construction on Ohio State Campus has to be built w/ green design in mind, older building being renovated also have standard to follow to increase energy effeciency and what not. The projected thesis area could be a prime area for learning about green design. Maybe something similar to "artists for humanity" in Boston could be useful? Have a structure that has its green techniques visible to occupants and use that as a learning experience which can be carried onto other parts of Columbus in the greening effort that we are in. A transition of the mind as well as knowledge could be very beneficial to the area as well as the city as a whole. Shortly I will have to organize all my wants for this area and push and shove my ideas around and come up with my big "Nick" idea.

Interesting Finds

As I have been surfing around on the internet for some of my thesis research and ideas I came across an interesting part of the City of Columbus website. I dug up some old to recent neighborhood redevelopment proposals in areas surrounding my site area. These proposals are as current as 2007 and as old as 1996 (at least the ones I was interested in). Each proposal had loads of research pertaining to people studies, traffic, building types, zoning, etc. Some of the more recent proposals seemed to touch more on green design and strategies that can be incorporated into projects. I also came across references for Green Columbus and other interesting sites that I can incorporate into my plans at some point. At this moment my mind is flooded with different directions to take and ways to tie ideas into what is already proposed in the surrounds. The options are endless and the sources seem to be also! I learned a lot about where Columbus is trying to get to by the time of the bicentennial in 2012.

Recent Thoughts:
Greenspace
Transition and/or Connection
Current zoning in place in location
Similarities to neighboring area proposals that can benefit my site
Green Design (multiple forms of public transportation)

What would be a way to tie all this together? Can something I come up with be suitable enough for the "bigger picture?" How/When/Can this benefit the surroundings?

Short North/Campus Collage

I wanted this collage to convey what I feel the connection should resemble. The images show the events, activities, people & architecture that surround my thesis project site. What needs to be done to accommodate all of this stuff into my thesis? What would have to be done to make people hang out here instead of just avoid this site completely like they do now?

Reflections on Past Times

With this weekend being the start of this years college football season and seeing all the excitement and joy surrounding Columbus it brought back memories of last fall. Ohio State football games are very popular in Columbus, whether it be at the game or at a local bar watching the game with hundreds of fans. I personally don't necessarily root for Ohio State but I do enjoy going down and tailgating with friends and I enjoy the whole atmosphere that surround these games. Yesterday in particular was the first home game of this season. I didn't attend tailgating or the game due to prior commitments but I know what it would have been like. The things I know about the festivities and what not only help me confirm that there is a missing connection between Campus and Short North. Last night was also the monthly gallery hop event in the Short North, basically all the art gallery open their doors and allow people to come in, enjoy some wine and look at local art. This monthly event always has a great turnout and is always busy. Between gallery hop and Ohio State Football games these two areas are constantly filled with people during these times. How can I use this to incorporate into my plans for the "connection" area? What is missing, why don't people feel a need or want to stop in this area? It's like the middle man between point A and B. This needs to change, but HOW?

I took a trip today after work to the area I want to concentrate on for my thesis. I threw together the pictured image to show the outlines of the 3 distinct areas as well as images that I felt show the type of architecture in these areas. I also began digging up some research on these 3 areas and found information on past and future revitalization attempts and plans. With this new found research I have learned that I am not the only one that feels the area between Campus and Short North is missing a crucial connection to its surroundings. The links below lead to some of the articles I have come across addressing this situation. I am currently working on a collage to better show the missing connection between Campus and Short North.

Short North Revitalization

South Campus Gateway Revitalization

"Missing Connection" area projected partial Revitalization 
Columbus Street Car Project Financial Plan

Thoughts through sketching

I have been thinking more and more about my intent to "connect" the Short North area to the Campus of Ohio State University. I did a quick sketch exercise where I wrote down the key attractions/events that occur at the Short North end and the Campus side. In doing this sketch exercise I am beginning to figure out what I feel is missing and/or needed at my projected site area. There are a few things existing there that are going to stay, i.e. Kroger, and housing. In my sketch (pictured) I compiled a list of what I think the area needs. I plan on going to the site tomorrow after work to photograph the area and compile a collage of what the connection needs vs what is in its surroundings.

Beginning of the ole' blog

I have recently been considering changing direction on my thesis topic. After a week of research I have realized my original idea, mobile healthcare, is already done. In continuing with my research I was attempting to see if I could do what already exists in a better way. That idea hit a wall when I realize the current ideas already created are done well and suite the purposes I had envisioned.

With that in mind I want to expolore an urban revival program. It would involve trying to connect several blocks in downtown columbus to accentuate a certain area better and tie it in w/ what is already in existance. The several blocks are run down and in need of a connection to what is there. I am still exploring my intentions, more to follow My site area is pictured.