Ashley Kasel | Blennerhasset Performance Pavilion

BLENNERHASSETT PERFORMANCE PAVILION The main objective of the Blennerhassett Performance Pavilion is to develop an attraction that would draw people to an in-between space that is otherwise inaccessible. The performance space draws connections to the existing attractions, festivals, and history. To get to Blennerhassett Island visitors have the option of taking a sternwheeler or kayaking.

Visitors on the island may also bike or walk from each location. Upon arrival, visitors will walk along the riverwalk pathway. From there, visitors may choose to experience the ramp leading to the second floor or capture views from the viewing area.

Ashley Kasel

↑ Historic aerial photo of Blennerhassett Island, (Blennerhassett Family Tree)

↑ Delaware Native Chief Nemacolin, (Robert Griffing)

↑ West side of Blennerhassett Island, (America from the Sky)

↑ Approach to the Island, (Greater Parkersburg) ↓ Bridge crossing Blennerhassett Island (aisc)

↑ Blennerhassett Mansion, (WVTourism) ↓ Paddlefest in Parkersburg, (Christy’s Cozy Corners)

↑ Putnam-Houser House, (The Cilo) ↓ Multi-Cultural Festival, (The Parkersburg News)

BLENNERHASSETT PERFORMANCE PAVILION | ASHLEY KASEL

YOU ARE HERE: FORECASTS FOR THE OHIO RIVER

← SITE LOCATION MAP: The site is located on Blennerhassett Island, near Parkersburg, WV. There are many types of attractions along the river that draw people to the area.

ARCH4002 BUILDING DESIGN STUDIO

TOPIC: IN-BETWEEN SPACES

EXISTING ISLAND PLAN: The island itself is about 3 → miles long, with most of the development being on the east side. The developed portion of the island includes a mansion from the 1700s. This mansion is one of the main attractions that people visit when they take the Island Belle Sternwheeler to the island.

BLENNERHASSETT PERFORMANCE PAVILION | ASHLEY KASEL

YOU ARE HERE: FORECASTS FOR THE OHIO RIVER

← EXISTING SITE PLAN: The existing site is located on the west side of the island, opposite of the other attractions. I wanted to expand the usage of the island to attract more people.

ARCH4002 BUILDING DESIGN STUDIO

TOPIC: IN-BETWEEN SPACES

↑ NEW MASTER PLAN: Within the master plan, there are 4 main types of program added; the riverwalk, performance pavilion, kayak launch + sternwheeler landing, and bike storage area. The new river walk (dark pink) connects with the existing path (yellow) creating a loop for visitors to experience the pavilion then return to the other side of the island.

BLENNERHASSETT PERFORMANCE PAVILION | ASHLEY KASEL

YOU ARE HERE: FORECASTS FOR THE OHIO RIVER

← NEW SITE AXON: The site axon shows the relationship between the existing bridge and the site. It also shows the dimensional proportions between the bridge and pavilion.

ARCH4002 BUILDING DESIGN STUDIO

TOPIC: IN-BETWEEN SPACES

PROGRAM DIAGRAM: This diagram helps to → distinguish between the 4 main programs as well as the existing structures. Please view the legend on the right.

BLENNERHASSETT PERFORMANCE PAVILION | ASHLEY KASEL

YOU ARE HERE: FORECASTS FOR THE OHIO RIVER

← CIRCULATION DIAGRAM: This diagram shows the connections between the existing and new pathways, as well as the connections from the new pathway to the ramp, pavilion, and kayak launch.

ARCH4002 BUILDING DESIGN STUDIO

TOPIC: IN-BETWEEN SPACES

PERFORMANCE PAVILION GROUND FLOOR PLAN: → The ground floor connects the riverwalk to the pavilion.

From there visitors have access to the centralized seating area, viewing area, ramp, and bathrooms, which are located towards the back.

BLENNERHASSETT PERFORMANCE PAVILION | ASHLEY KASEL

YOU ARE HERE: FORECASTS FOR THE OHIO RIVER

← PERFORMANCE PAVILION SECOND FLOOR PLAN: To reach the second floor visitors must travel up the ramp or stairs. This floor is mostly utilized for circulation and viewing of performances or the bridge.

ARCH4002 BUILDING DESIGN STUDIO

TOPIC: IN-BETWEEN SPACES

↑ PERFORMANCE PAVILION SECTION: This section cut shows the relationship between the ramp and performance space, while also showing how the viewing area is broken up.

BLENNERHASSETT PERFORMANCE PAVILION | ASHLEY KASEL

YOU ARE HERE: FORECASTS FOR THE OHIO RIVER

↑ PERFORMANCE PAVILION SECTION: This section cut shows the relationship between the viewing area, performance space, second floor, and the bathrooms.

ARCH4002 BUILDING DESIGN STUDIO

TOPIC: IN-BETWEEN SPACES

VIEWSHED DIAGRAM: While analyzing the site, I → noticed that one of the biggest focal points would be the bridge. To draw more attention to the bridge, I added a wall that almost forces viewers to focus on the bridge and beyond. This diagram demonstrates what visitors would see if they were standing in the viewing area.

BLENNERHASSETT PERFORMANCE PAVILION | ASHLEY KASEL

YOU ARE HERE: FORECASTS FOR THE OHIO RIVER

← VIEWING AREA EXPERIENCE: Viewers would be focused on this view of the bridge.

ARCH4002 BUILDING DESIGN STUDIO

TOPIC: IN-BETWEEN SPACES

RAMP EXPERIENCE: As visitors travel from the → riverwalk up this ramp, they will have the opportunity to relax and capture views of both the bridge and pavilion.

BLENNERHASSETT PERFORMANCE PAVILION | ASHLEY KASEL

YOU ARE HERE: FORECASTS FOR THE OHIO RIVER

← PERFORMANCE PAVILION EXPERIENCE: The performance stage is centrally located, so that visitors can watch from almost any location within the pavilion.

ARCH4002 BUILDING DESIGN STUDIO

TOPIC: IN-BETWEEN SPACES

RIVERWALK EXPERIENCE: On the riverwalk, visitors → will be able to look out over the river. They will catch glimpses of the bridge and the upcoming pavilion.

BLENNERHASSETT PERFORMANCE PAVILION | ASHLEY KASEL

YOU ARE HERE: FORECASTS FOR THE OHIO RIVER

← KAYAKING EXPERIENCE: Kayakers approaching the launch will be able to see the vastness of the island and the bridge above.

ARCH4002 BUILDING DESIGN STUDIO

TOPIC: IN-BETWEEN SPACES

BLENNERHASSETT PERFORMANCE PAVILION Topic: In-Between Spaces Ashley Kasel Spring 2021