Over-the-Rhine is popular with pedestrians and providing public activity space weaved into the urban fabric is as important as the living space above. Experimental architectural elements are placed on the inside of a reserved massing in order to not distract from existing historical buildings. Retail and dining is implemented to help revitalize the northern area of Over-the-Rhine which has not yet been restored. A bicycle shop is planned as a transportation hub to encourage a more intimate scale of travel between uptown and downtown areas.

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Photography is used to thematically interpolate architectural intent. The pentaprism within a camera bends light from the lens into the eye. This same concept is used to provide a public terrace area on the second floor in which view is obtained through use of mirrored glass placed at specific angles. The idea of restricting view through architectural elements allows for a controlled one point perspective. In addition, both apartments behind the glass also have the same view without having to sacrifice privacy.

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From a metaphorical sense, historical photography was a leading source of inspiration for design development. Due to this site having especially rich history, visual understanding of old solutions help to decipher intents which still have a basis in the contemporary built world.

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Designed during a 8 week period after the Langree Residence project.

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Design Studio

Spring 2015

Instructor Ryan Ball