Metro Bahn: Underground Creative Venue by Samantha Audet

Senior Capstone: Metro Bahn Samantha Audet

s t n e t n o C

Introduction & Subway History

4-11

Trends Research & Precedents

12-25

Site Research

28-49

Program

50-65

Design Development Stage 1

66-75

Design Development Stage 2

76-85

Final Design

86-107

Appendix

108-111

Bibliography

112-113

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Introduction Metro Bahn is an underground art and performance center that is dedicated to inspiring creativity in Cincinnati by repurposing the abandoned Cincinnati Subway. It’s initial inspiration stemmed from a desire to repurpose abandoned infrastructure in Cincinnati. While the trend of repurposing abandoned sites has gained popularity through projects such as the New York City High Line, the concept has been a major urban strategy since the early 1990s. Cities, such as Madrid and London, have been turning power plants, slaughterhouses, and even gas storage tanks into new public spaces. This is an advantageous approach to maintaining interesting architecture, and preserving culture. The rich history of Cincinnati’s subway, coupled with its ability to sustain a variety of programs, make it an attractive opportunity. Many of the existing subway stations are in surprisingly good condition due to the original construction standards of the 1920s. Contextually, the stations also reside within the downtown neighborhoods of Cincinnati, making them ideal spaces for public use. With popular trends of repurposing infrastructure and successful precedence studies, the Cincinnati’s subway could be the city’s new exciting public space. 4

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

y r o t s i H y a w Sub

HISTORY

Building a Train The current site of the Cincinnati Subway was originally the site of the Miami-Erie Canal, which is also the name inspiration for the neighborhood, OverThe-Rhine. Many private investors attempted to build a railroad on the canal after the events of the Civil War. From the 1860s and onward, however, the City of Cincinnati demanded that any rail transit that was to be built on the canal be built below grade, making railroads nearly impossible. With technological advancements in electric traction occurring in the 1890s, electrified transit became a reality. The city anticipated a lease for the canal’s redevelopment, and thus created the Interurban Rapid Transit Commission, whose job was to “suggest ways and means of securing high-speed interurban electric railway service.” The commission’s first decision was to hired Bion WWv Arnold, the countries most prominent electric railroad consultant to draft up a plan for Cincinnati. Arnold’s Report (the first report to be implemented in Cincinnati) combined the canal subway and Supplemental Tunnel Route into one project. The report included a general description of the Cincinnati landscape, the character of Hamilton County’s nine interurban railroads, and spreadsheets listing ridership and fiance. 8

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Construction began in January of 1920 and continued until 1925 when the $6 million bond was exhausted. What was created was a 9 mile stretch of rail work, including three short suburban tunnels, several overpasses, and numerous above and below grade stations (some of which will be further discussed in this book). While the existing track was serviceable, it was estimated that another $1,300,000 was needed for stock, station finishes, storage yards, and electrical equipment before the transit loop could begin carrying passengers. Arnold’s interurban belt line could not be economically justified, while another plan, known as the “EdwardsBaldwin Report,” detailed out a rapid transit that would service the belt line and include huge ridership. It detailed out the route, stations, and electrical systems of the project, but disregarded a number of the Arnold’s Report suggestions, such as the third track at stations that would have provided express trains. Multiple schemes were created in order to create alternatives to downtown routing while maintaining a fixed beltway route. This is important as it lead to the logic that placed Union Depot in the West End business district.

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

HISTORY

The Decline There were several attempts to revive the transit project, but with the Great Depression hitting America, Cincinnati found little funding from the State and Federal Government. After World War II, the United States moved all transportation funding to expressways, with almost 90% allocated for the Interstate Highway System. Cincinnati used the graded subway route as the 10% construction contribution which later led to I-75 in the 1950s, and I-71 in the 1970s. The 2 mile Central Parkway subway tunnel as well as suburban underpasses and overpasses were maintained, but many of the above ground stations quickly became overgrown by the 1950s. Structures fell into disrepair, such as the Ludlow Station which deteriorated to the point of collapse. Today there exist three major underground subway stations. These are Brighton Street Station, Liberty Street Station, and Race Street Station. All of these have very simple construction interiors made out of concrete. Race Street is the largest of the three stations, with a complicated three track layout. It was meant to serve as one of the main hubs in the downtown area. Inbound and outbound tracks are on the outermost sides of the terminal, with a interesting center track for interurban transit. An interurban train would approach the station, pull into the center stub, pick up new passengers, and then reverse out, and switch to the outbound track.

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

? y d n e r T s ' t a Wh

TRENDS

#1: Development The last three years, Over-the-Rhine and Downtown Cincinnati have seen significant increase in funding for renovation projects. Revitalization has completely changed the Over-the-Rhine perceptions as occupancy of residential rental properties is now estimated at 96%. Residential projects such as the Mercer indicate diversity of properties, accommodating high and low income housing. In addition increasing sale prices for downtown homes, reflect the growing interest in a downtown lifestyle. Current under construction projects include a total of $679 million, with proposed projects for 2015 estimated at $333 million. This indicates a continuous interest in renovations with projects such as the Warner Bros. Building on Central Parkway, Cutter Apartments, and Ziegler Park. These trends indicate a growing vibrant neighborhood, that would be fit to sustain further development.

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

#2: Entertainment Places such as Horseshoe Casino, Washington Park, and Cincinnati Reds stadium have seen increased participation, with Horseshoe gained 3,500,000 visitors, Washington Park with 1,000,000 visitors, and the Redâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stadium with 2,476,664 visitors. Lastly, the addition of the Bunbury music festival whose inaugural event was July 2012, is another climactic event that incorporate headlining artists and attracts thousands of visitors to Cincinnati. Increased interest in downtown and Overthe-Rhine is connected to projects that are centered around providing its residents with necessities. Entertainment, dining, and activities are large contributors to creating healthy neighborhoods. In the 2014 study by Downtown Cincinnati Inc. 85% of participants surveyed said that downtown had a variety of entertainment options.

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

TRENDS

90% of construction projects over the next 10 years will occur in existing buildings.

#3: Adaptive Reuse According to an article in Design Intelligence, after the recession occurring in 2008, approximately 90% of construction projects over the next 10 years will take place in existing buildings. The article goes on to state that from real estate sources, in 2011 there was 3.6 billion square feet of office space inventory with a vacancy rate of 17.8 percent in the 41 markets tracked for its Office Outlook United States research. Cincinnatiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Over-the-Rhine is no exception from the events that occurred in 2008. Renovation projects have consumed the city, with most projects in the downtown area occurring in buildings that have been dilapidated. Many benefits are presented with adaptive reuse, such as central locations on easily accessible prime traffic arteries and cost benefits versus greenfield sites. At a minimum, these include legal, anti-development factions, and environmental impacts, not to mention zoning, finance, design, and construction.

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Taft Ale House Cincinnati: Converted Church 17

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

TRENDS

s e i d u t S t n e d e c Pre

TRENDS

House of Vans House of Vans, London is a mixed used space, which sits within the 150 year old brick arches of the railway lines heading out of Waterloo Station. It is an eclectic combination of activities, centered around the celebration of the Vans Brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skateboarding culture. In addition, the brand was interested in combining other communal activities including music, film, and art. To accommodate these activities the space includes, a concert venue, art gallery, multiple bars, a cafe, and a skate park. The brand decided to work alongside Pete Hellicar and Tim Greatrex, as well as project managers Kat Mackenzie and Henry Clay from Black Sparrow Presents. Due to the site, the challenge of the space comes from the old tunnels, forcing the architects and designers to come up with unique and innovative solutions for the Vans brand. The end product was a creative repurposed underground space, that enables the community access to inexpensive concerts and community events.

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The challenge of the space comes from the old tunnels, forcing the architects and designers to come up with innovative solutions.â&#x20AC;? Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

TRENDS

NYC Highline The New York City Highline, formally known as the West Side industrial railway, is one of the most popularly known pieces of repurposed infrastructure. In 1980 it ran its last train through Manhattan, carrying its freight into the cities esteemed Meatpacking district. In 2003, James Corner Field Operations with Diller Scofidio + Renfro, won the competition to transform the railway into New Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest public park. The proposal includes dozens of access points, with interesting programmatic features at each intersection. This gives guests a variety of activities, and continued interest in exploring the entire park. Popular attractions include, a sun deck, water feature, relaxing green space, and an observation room. In addition to a variety of activities, the High Line also prides itself on utilizing a combination of sustainable practices. These include site specific landscaping, local sourcing of plants, as well as green roof properties, and drip irrigation.

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

TRENDS

Absolute, Toronto In 2009 Absolut Vodka, took on an original approach to promoting local artists as well as the Absolut brand. As part of their company’s advertising campaign, “ In an Absolut World: Opportunities Always Pop Up,” they commissioned Justin Broadbent to create an art installation in Toronto’s abandoned Lower Bay subway station. The result was an interactive art exhibit by day and a fun underground party space by night. Broadbent decided to utilize the six subway cars that were commissioned for the event, and used them to create,” Follow Your Heart, Opportunities Pop Up,” with each of the six cars representing a word in the phrase. For example, the “Follow” car included green mood lighting, and 150 trees. The venue also included two Martini Club bars, white lounge furniture, and a DJ, providing subway stations with a totally unique definition to the term, “underground.”

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

How Might We...

use the abandoned Cincinnati subway to create a space that encourages creative expression and performance for the community? 26

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

t n

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

h c r a e s e R e Sit

SITE ANALYSIS

Brighton Street Station

Liberty Street Station

Race Street Station

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Brighton Street Station

Liberty Street Station

Race Street Station

Choosing a Site Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

SITE ANALYSIS

Brighton Street Station

Park

ty cial

tial den

Spe

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Resi

Com

mer

cial

The Brighton Street Station is the furthest underground station from downtown Cincinnati. It is surrounded by the most even mix of industrial and residential lots, which provides concern with the site becoming lost in the area. The surrounding neighborhood is also lacking in any other types of entertainment venues which make the site in desperate need of contextual support. It is also on the border between Over-the-Rhine and Clifton and isolated from public transit.

Street View Brighton Station

Interior Brighton Street Station

SITE ANALYSIS

Liberty Street Station

Interior Design Capstone Vol. 1

Park

ty cial Spe

tial den Resi

Com

mer

cial

Liberty Street Station was victim to the 1960s fear of nuclear war. The tunnels have seen a major transformation in order to make it a refuge, including forgotten beds, supplies, and barricades. Today, the site is in excellent condition. The surrounding neighborhood amenities contain less potential for site support (restaurants, bars, activities) which may create future problems in sustainability of project interest.

Street View Liberty Station

Interior Liberty Street Station

SITE ANALYSIS

Race Street Station

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Park

ty cial Spe

tial den Resi

Com

mer

cial

The Race Street Subway Station, is the largest of all four remaining underground stations. It is the only station that supports four individual subway trains, and the largest boarding platform. This is indicative of how the station was meant to serve as one of the central hubs for the subway line. Today it is in excellent condition, and with the surrounding site being lush in commercial, music, and performing art venues, it is an excellent location for an underground concert hall and gallery.

Street View Race Station

Interior Race Street Station

SITE ANALYSIS

Over-the-Rhine & Race Street Station

The name Over-the-Rhine is a testament to the neighborhoods first residents. In 1827 the first portion of the Erie and Miami canal was completed. The canal flowed between the downtown area of Cincinnati and Over-the-Rhine, reminding Germanic immigrants of the Rhine River in Europe. As Cincinnati emerged as an influential commercial and industrial hub in America, Over-the-Rhine drew immigrants from all over, many of which originated in Ireland and England. This lead to cultural diversity in the neighborhood with providing Over-the-Rhine with the largest saturation of Italiante architecture, several parks, and numerous music and theatre venues. As the neighborhood moved between the 20th and 21st century, it saw a decline in residency, from 45,000 residents in the 1900s, to barely 10,000 in the early 2000s. Today, there has been a concerted effort in public and private sectors to stabilize the neighborhood, reduce crime, and recreate Over-the-Rhine as a desirable place to live.

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

TRENGTHS

EAKNESSES

O T

PPORTUNITIES

HREATS

• Site is close to many entertainment venues, such as Music Hall & Ensemble Theatre. • Site is between two different neighborhoods; Downtown and Over-the-Rhine. • Site has the most diverse demographic and economic class values. • Site is the largest of the four remaining underground stations, providing maximum program square footage.

• Site is underground providing lighting and mechanical difficulties. • Site is over 100 years old, and needs to be made safe for public use. • Site does not have a working service elevator for handicap accessibility.

• Multiple arts schools, such as School for Creative and Performing Arts, creates opportunities for collaboration between education venues. • Site is underground, making it a year round venue. • Site can be a marketing venue for public transportation. • The underground nature of the site provide interesting acoustics.

• Despite crime rate decreases, site is still vulnerable to high crime rates. • Surrounding music venues create competition with site. • New economic demographic moving to Over-the-Rhine might not be interested in an underground venue.

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

SITE ANALYSIS

Data taken from Cincinnati Area Geographic Information System

Community- Commercial Pedestrian Oriented

Residential-Multi Family

Neighborhood Pedestrian-Oriented Commercial

Commercial Community-Auto

Planned Development

Downtown Development District

Zoning Site Data 40

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Statistics taken from U.S Census Tracts 2014

Zone 1

Zone 2

Black

1,059

791

White

539

578

Asian

Other

Demographic Data Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

SITE ANALYSIS

Data taken from Cincinnati Area Geographic Information System

Large Access Streets

Medium Access Streets

Small or Private Streets

Streetcar Stations

MTA Station Locations

Accessibility Data 42

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Data taken from Cincinnati Area Geographic Information System Specialty Centers

Schools

1. Music Hall 2. Hamilton County Memorial Building 3. YMCA 4. Ensemble Theatre 5. Library Annex 6. St. Francis Church and Friary

1. The School for Creative and Performing Arts 2. Art Academy of Cincinnati

Parks 1. Washington Park 2. Northern Row Park 3. Ziegler Park

Residences

Bars & Restaurants

Race Street Subway

Amenities Data Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

SITE ANALYSIS

110 100 90 80 Recorded High Design High

Avg. High

Mean

Avg. Low

Design Low Recorded Low

30 20 10 Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug Sep

Climate Data Cincinnati is considered to be in a climate transition zone. This means that it is the northern limit of humid subtropical climate and southern limit of continental climate. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cold and snowy. This means that Cincinnatiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s climate makes outdoor sites seasonal instead of year round. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cold and snowy. This means that Cincinnatiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s climate makes outdoor sites seasonal instead of year round.

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Oct

Nov Dec

Annual

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

SITE ANALYSIS

25% 11%

17% 47%

Auto-theft

Shootings

Aggravated Assault

Robberies

Crime Data Over the Rhine has seen a 23% drop in homicide between 2013-2014. Overall, serious crime has dropped 40 percent since 2005, going from 3,951 incidents that year to 2,352 in 2014. While the neighborhood was considerably more dangerous only five years ago, it has seen a dramatic change in liveability, entertainment, and community.

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

SITE ANALYSIS School for Creative and Performing Race Street

Entrance

Race Street

Central Parkway

Race Street

Entrance

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Existing Conditions Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

m a r g o r P

PROGRAM

Defining Underground Art and Performance The Race Street Station will serve as Cincinnatiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first underground music and art performance center. The 22,000 square foot space is large enough to accommodate a lush program such as a gallery, performance hall, and refreshment area. Plumbing, ventilation, and electricity will be important challenges due to the age of the station, and current systems located in Race Street. Lighting will also be a major concern in the station, due to the natural tendencies of underground spaces, however, this can also be a strength by creating a subterranean atmosphere. To accommodate the dense program, flexible partition walls and furniture will be important so that spaces can change from one program to another depending on the user group inhabiting the space. In addition, the excavated tunnel provides opportunities for expansion/ new construction in order to center the existing entrance and create a special introduction to the venue for guests. Being an underground site, the space seems to demand that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s identity reflect what is underground culture. Graffiti, industrial finishes and materials, and dramatic lighting enhance this image and give performers and audiences a unique space to create mystery behind the art and music that is found below.

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

PROGRAM

Design Principles 1

THE FOCUS IS ALWAYS ABOUT PERFORMANCE

ABOVE AND BELOW GROUND WILL TIE TOGETHER

THE AESTHETIC WILL CELEBRATE THE UNDERGROUND

SPACES WILL BE FLEXIBLE TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT FUNCTIONS AND USERS

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

PROGRAM

Performers

(Musicians, Comedians, Actors) Small to medium size venue can accommodate a variety of performance acts. • Aesthetics inspires underground artists and provides a unique atmosphere to perform. • Venue resides in the heart of OTR so artists can attract a variety audiences.

Artists

(Fine Arts, Fashion, Exhibitions) Exhibit spaces can be rented out to showcase unique work of artists. • Event space is equipped with seating, fully functional bar, a DJ, and a small stage for performance art.

Audience

(Multi-Generational, Urbanites, Art-Lovers) Caters to all age groups with rotating exhibits and new performances daily. • Easily accessible in the heart of OTR • Space changes seasonal with new artists and performers changing the graffiti art throughout the year, making the space dynamic and interesting.

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Design Concept Create a space that embodies underground culture and aesthetic for the purpose of emphasizing the art and performances that will be showcased.

PROGRAM

Three Spaces, One Venue ma r o f r e

nc e

Ar t

L o ung e 60

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

PROGRAM

Initial Ideation Instead of using all of the existing platform, the program will incorporate expanding the platform out towards the west side of central parkway. This will shift the existing entrance from the side, to the center, making for a more dramatic introduction to the underground. The main entrance will utilize large pivot doors to separate the art gallery and music venue, providing programmatic separation and acoustical blocking. In order to utilize all of the tunnel, the old track locations will be filled in to make level with the platform, while the platform in the performance area will be demolished to create more interesting views of the stage and VIP seating.

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Race Street

School of Performing Arts

Main Entrance

Central Parkway

Existing Platform

Unused Platform

Race Street

Art Gallery

Music Venue

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

PROGRAM

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Design Development Wave 1

DEVELOPMENT 1

Design Objectives 1

DISCOVER THE BEST WAY TO COMBINE THE GALLERY AND VENUE WITH CENTRAL SUPPORT SERVICES.

BEGIN UNDERSTANDING HOW THE SPACE ABOVE GROUND TIES TO BELOW GROUND

ISOLATE FINISHES AND MATERIALS THAT IDENTIFY WITH UNDERGROUND MOTIFS

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

DEVELOPMENT 1

Floorplan & Section Plan not to scale Art Stage Gallery Bar

Main Entry

Gallery Entrance

Section not to scale

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Train Gallery

VIP

Green Room

Stage

Back Stage

Service Desk/Bar

rtists Workrooms

Exit VIP

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

DEVELOPMENT 1

Excavation Diagrams New Platform

Existing Platform Demolished Platform

Existing Platform

Extended Platform

Pavilion Sketches #1

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

DEVELOPMENT 1

Entrance & Support

The main entrance into the underground greets visitors with a hint of branding as well as a point of contact for information. This central space, (located, above ground, on axis with Race Street and Central Parkway), serves as the core for the entire venue. It is in the center that art and music is bridged, which is achieved by large pivot doors that provide either separation or unity. Here, the core services both sides with a bar that is mirrored with the information desk, as well as artists workrooms on the north and south ends. These workrooms provide musicians and artists privacy to develop ideas, while also creating a dramatic exhibit for visitors watching the silhouettes of artists develop ideas for the next show.

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Music & Art

The performance venue and art gallery utilize graffiti textures and display to emphasize the underground aesthetic. The existing columns have be wrapped in order to house LED lights which will flood the arcade with multicolored lights that can change throughout events. Train cars are utilized in the art gallery to showcase artists and vendors work, while also providing protection, should events go late. The performance venue offers VIP seating on either side of the main stage to promote better views for an elevated experience.

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Design Development Wave 2

DEVELOPMENT 2

Design Objectives 1

CREATE “NICHE” SPACES THAT ARE NOT TRAIN CARS BUT TAKE ON THE QUALITY OF TRAIN CARS. USE THESE THROUGHOUT THE SPACE.

FURTHER DEVELOP THE PAVILION ENTRANCE TO THE UNDERGROUND.

CONTINUE EXPLORING FINISHES AND MATERIALS THAT ENCAPSULATE UNDERGROUND CULTURE.

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

DEVELOPMENT 2

Floorplan & Section Plan not to scale Art Stage

Kitchen

Gallery Entrance Main Entry

Gallery Bar

Section not to scale

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Gallery Niche

Nich

VIP

Green Room

Main Bar

Stage Focal Center

Back Stage Exit

he Booths VIP

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

DEVELOPMENT 2

Architecture Vignettes

LITERAL TRAIN CAR

DECONSTRUCTION

Forms Throughout Metro Bahn Art Gallery

Main Bar

Bar Seating 82

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Main Stage

VIP Stage Area

Pavilion Sketches #2

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

DEVELOPMENT 2

Entrance & Lounge

The entrance to Metro Bahn introduces the visitor with a projected display that informs them of what events are currently being performed within the venue. The view into the lounge space is cut off from view in order to prompt guests to be curious as to what is within the space. Once inside, niche architecture on either side of the main axis, simulates train cars with its enveloping geometry. In these spaces lies core programmatic elements such as the main bar, and booth seating. In the center is a sunken seating area, to further enhance the feeling of being underground.

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Main Stage

The main performance stage drops audience members five feet from the lounge space. This helps to create elevation for the stage and VIP seating area and to provide better views of the performers for audience members in the standing floor space. LED lights on the steps and on the floor brighten the stage, while the floor LED signify where the old platform used to reside, paying homage to what used to be the spaces original purpose.

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Final Design

FINAL DESIGN

Final Concepts 1

GRAFFITI ART THAT CAN BE INTERCHANGED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR BY DIFFERENT ARTISTS.

LED MULTICOLORED LIGHTING.

TRAIN CAR NICHES THAT CREATE INTIMATE AND DYNAMIC SPACES.

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

FINAL DESIGN

Floorplan & Section Plan not to scale Art Stage

Kitchen

Main Entry

Gallery Entrance Gallery Bar

Nic DJ

Section not to scale

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Gallery Niche

Main Bar VIP

Green Room

Stage Back Stage

Focal Center

che Booths

Exit

VIP

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

FINAL DESIGN

Metro Bahn Entrance

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

The final development of the pavilion reveals a cross between modern yet edgy urban architecture. The architectureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s frame is a grungy steel using intersecting I-beams. The recessed walls are matte black and covered in artistic graffiti done by local artists, to capture the idea of what lies beyond and below. The overall desire is to create mystery, interest, and attention for those who pass by, and subtly introduce what the space below holds for those who enter.

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

FINAL DESIGN

Metro Bahn Entrance

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Components

Pavilion Plan

Pavilion Elevation Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Graffiti Lounge

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Once guests have descended into the main entrance of Metro Bahn they are introduced to Graffiti bar, the center of Metro Bahn, and the supporting space for both the gallery and performance venue. The space is framed on either side by niche architecture that eludes to train cars, and holds important program devices such as the main bar and booth seating. Graffiti, also done by local artists, is tastefully applied to the niche walls to tie the above ground architecture to that which is below. LED lights are used often to bring attention to other architectural elements, such as existing beams and archways. Overlapping patterns are used throughout to create a punk character to the bar that is in line with the underground edgy quality of the space.

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

FINAL DESIGN

Graffiti Lounge

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Components

Main Bar

Niche Booths Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Metro Bahn Venue Stage

100

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

The Metro Bahn stage is littered with lighting to bring focus to the performance. LED suspended panels from the ceiling and around the stage can be programed to showcase the artists branded light show. VIP booths on either side of the space provide audience members an opportunity to witness the performance at ideal views while also taking in audience responses from the standing floor space. The niche architecture is used to capture the VIP seating and stage. These areas become increasingly special as they envelope special guests and the performers.

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

101

FINAL DESIGN

Metro Bahn Venue Stage

102

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Components

VIP Seating

Stage Section Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

103

FINAL DESIGN

Bahn Gallery

104

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

The Bahn gallery is the longest procession of space within Metro Bahn. The niche spaces on either side allow artists and vendors to rent out these spaces to display art, fashion, etc... The spaces use a slight LED recession to frame these archways and highlight them as one proceeds through the space. The gallery is equipped with its own bar to service the gallery independently during events, in case the performance venue requires the Graffiti Lounge simultaneously. Lastly, the gallery also has its own entrance to the gallery, making this space truly selfsufficient but characteristically the same as the rest of Metro Bahn.

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

105

FINAL DESIGN

Bahn Gallery

106

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

Components

Art Niches

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

107

Appendix: Survey Results Demographics Surveyed White: 41% Black: 53% Other: 10%

New Desired Space Community Center: 42% Art Gallery: 20% Music Venue: 20% Bar: 10%

Neighborhoods Participants Live East End Bond Hill Clifton Avondale Homeless Westwood West End

Price Hill Mt. Aivery Corryville Over-the-Rhine Deer Park

Other Questions 57% of people surveyed support the Cincinnati Streetcar 35% of people survyed had prior knowledge of the Cincinnati subway 84% of people surveyed approved of the change affecting Over-the-Rhine

108

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

University of Cincinnati College of Design, Art, Architecture, and Planning Community Survey Please take a few minutes to fill out a quick survey. The purpose of it is for educational research in order to identify recreational trends within the neighborhoods of Cincinnati, and how it affects its residents. 1. What are the public places you visit in Cincinnati? Northside Tavern

Findley Market

Eden Park

Music Hall

Other: ____________________________________________________ Why?: ____________________________________________________ 2. What are your feelings about the redevelopment happening in OTR? Unsupportive

No Opinion

Supportive

Why?: ____________________________________________________ 3. How do you feel about the Cincinnati Streetcar? Unsupportive

No Opinion

Supportive

Why?: ____________________________________________________ 4. Did you know that the City of Cincinnati built a subway? Yes

5. If you had a choice to build a new public space, what would you like to see? Art Gallery

Music Venue

Community Center

Bar

Other: ____________________________________________________

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

109

Appendix: Glow Plan Plan not to scale

110

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

111

Bibliography 1. Mecklenborg, Jacob R. Cincinnati’s Incomplete Subway: The Complete History. Charlston, SC: History Press, 2010. 2. Singer, Alan J. Cincinnati Subway: History of Rapid Transit. Charlston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2003. 3. Ginsburg, David, Patricia Casey, Shelly Fuller, Gina Gartner, Jullie McGuire, Mindy Rosen, Tricia Suit, and David Thomas. State of Downtown Cincinnati. 2014 Annual Report. Cincinnati, OH: Downtown Cincinnati, 2015. 4. Davenport, Griff. “Embracing Adaptive Reuse.” Design Intelligence. Last modified January 12, 2012. Accessed July 21, 2015. http://www.di.net/articles/embracing_adaptive_reuse/. 5. Collidge, Sharon. “Crime Down, But Some Neighborhoods Buck Trend.” Cincinnati.com. Last modified February 15, 2015. Accessed July 21, 2015. http://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2015/02/12/ crime-neighborhoods-buck-trend/23297197/. 6. ”House of Vans London / Tim Greatrex” 12 Jan 2015. ArchDaily. Accessed 21 Jul 2015. <http://www.archdaily.com/585818/houseof-vans-london-tim-greatrex/> 7. Karen Cilento. “The New York High Line officially open” 09 Jun 2009. ArchDaily. Accessed 21 Jul 2015. <http://www.archdaily. com/24362/the-new-york-high-line-officially-open/> 8. ”New times, new architecture.” Matadero Madrid. Accessed July 21, 2015. http://www.mataderomadrid.org/new-times-new-architecture.html. 9. Beechy, Gary. “Absolut Vodka Transforms Abandoned T.T.C. Subway Station Into Art Exhibit, Party Space.” BizBash. Last modified August 14, 2009. Accessed July 21, 2015. http://www.bizbash.com/ absolut_vodka_transforms_abandoned_t_t_c_subway_station_into_art_exhibit_party_space/toronto/story/ 16295/#.Va72TRNViko. 10. Bold Statement Web Design. “OTR History.” Over the Rhine Foundation. Accessed July 21, 2015. http://www.otrfoundation.org/OTR_History.htm. 11. City of Cincinnati Department of Planning and Buildings. Over the Rhine Statistical Neighborhood Approximations. N.p.: US Census, 2010.

112

Interior Design Capstone: Metro Bahn

113