Once a destination spot for thousands of sports fans, The Rubber Bowl Stadium, located outside of Akron, Ohio, is re-imagined for people to live and gather in. Built in 1940 under the WPA, it was left behind in 2008 then partially demolished in 2018 leaving an abundance of concrete steps behind. The existing fabric will still be recognized and valued, while still meeting the needs of the growing community. The organization and hierarchy is left in place to build a relationship between the additions and landscape views that are unexpected, creating multiple levels of interiority.
How does one challenge the preconceived ideas of housing? The answer to this question can be revealed by starting with an existing site or structure rather than a vacant lot. The overall goal of the project is to create and build experiences beyond traditional venues. Why not just tear it all down and start from scratch? Because this form and its uniqueness have potential to create unconventional moments. Moments that can drive it to become a place-maker rather than a place-less high rise building that could be located on any corner in the United States.
Carson reflected on her past experiences early on in the semester when it came to deciding on a site. A trip that stood out from others was to see the abandoned, partially demolished, Rubber Bowl Stadium. It was an experience like no other and enough to still be thinking about it months later and the possibilities of not letting it continue to decay. What if it could thrive once again if it could be given a new purpose other than football? By using an existing site with a rich history she wants to give value to the existing fabric while still meeting the needs of the growing community Ellet. She also believes by preserving the character of time and place it allows for people to learn about the history and what makes the area special. While preserving, the new design will make sure to accommodate changes in demand, technology, and uses.
SITE
SITE PRE/POST DEMOLITION
RESEARCH COLLAGES
RESEARCH COLLAGES
SITE VIEW STUDIES
SHIFT
RICE PAPER
TURN
MOD PODGE
ORIGINAL
BROWN PAPER BAGS
TWIST
NETTING
ROTATE
COLORED RICE PAPER
HORIZONTAL PLANE + MATERIAL STUDIES
Chipboard + Foam
Plaster + Basswood + Cement Plaster + Basswood
View Model Short Film Study Here:
MODELS
SITE VISIT 01.23.2021
SITE VISIT 03.11.2022
AKRON-FULTON AIRPORT
RUBBER BOWL STADIUM
SOAP BOX DERBY
AKRON SKATE PARK/ BMX
SITE SURROUNDINGS
The Rubber Bowl Stadium of Akron, OH surrounding sites ultimately influenced its new function of housing and public space. The Soap Box Derby track brings in large crowds from all over the United States during the summer months to host The All American Derby Downs. This creates an influx of people at certain times a year which creates a need for space to stay. The steadily-growing Akron Fulton International Airport also has potential of bringing more people to the site. The field itself and lower steps remain open for public use which aligns well with the community’s values and future plans. The neighborhood believes that access to beautiful public space is a basic human right. Place-making builds connections, creates civic engagement, and empowers citizens. The rest of the upper levels would be where long and short term stay would be. This is done to gain overall site views as well as for privacy.
SITE SURROUNDINGS
WHO WANT
Rooms can accommodate 1 person or gr
chose to stay enjoy new settings, new pe
In the summer, residents can expect an i
Derby is active or from people utilizing t
WHO DO
This type of living isn’t for everyone, bu
field or have interest in it can still come ut
TS TO STAY?
roups of 2, 3, or 4. These people who
eople, and something always going on.
influx of people for when the Soap Box
the Akron-Fulton International Airport.
OESN’T?
ut people with past connections to the
tilize the field as it is open to the public.
LEVEL 6 - CORRIDOR, COMMON SPACES, 2 BEDROOM UPPER LEVELS
LEVEL 5 - 2 BEDROOM LOWER LEVELS
LEVEL 4 - CORRIDOR, STUDIOS & 1 BEDROOMS
LEVEL 3 - STUDIOS & 1 BEDROOMS
LEVEL 2 - CORRIDOR FOR SHORT TERM ROOMS
LEVEL 1 - PUBLIC & MARKET SPACES
PROPOSED LEVELS OF INTERIORITY
1. PARKING
2: ELEVATORS
3: CORRIDORS
4: ROOM
N
RESIDENT SEQUENCE
ELEVATORS
ELEVATOR LOBBY AT NORTH ENTRANCE Primarily used by long-term residents
RESIDENT SEQUENCE
CORRIDOR
4TH FLOOR CORRIDOR LOOKING SOUTHEAST Primarily used by short-term residents
RESIDENT SEQUENCE
SHORT TERM ROOM
TYPICAL 2 BED/1 BATH 750 sq ft.
RESIDENT SEQUENCE
SHORT TERM ROOM
TYPICAL 2 BED/1 BATH
TYPICAL 2 BED/1 BATH
RESIDENT SEQUENCE
LONG TERM ROOM
TYPICAL 2 BEDROOM/2 BATH - UPPER LEVEL 1500 sq ft.
RESIDENT SEQUENCE
LONG TERM ROOM
TYPICAL 2 BEDROOM/2 BATH - UPPER LEVEL
TYPICAL 2 BEDROOM/2 BATH - LOWER LEVEL
RESIDENT SEQUENCE
LONG/SHORT TERM ROOM
TYPICAL 1 BEDROOM/1 BATH - UPPER LEVEL
TYPICAL 1 BEDROOM/1 BATH - LOWER LEVEL
RESIDENT SEQUENCE
1: PARKING
2: FIELD SPACE
PUBLIC SEQUENCE