Sara Brink

How can we use an existing multi-level relationship to create a modern pattern of underground habitation?

Redefining an abandoned underground network as a functioning system of parks

Sara Brink INTD 5002

LEGEND Original Route Tunnels Built and Demolished

VINE

Remaining Tunnels Original Stations Remaining Stations

LUDLOW

PADDOCK NORWOOD

CLIFTON DANA

MARSHALL BRIGHTON

LIBERTY RACE FOUNTAIN

OAKLEY EDWARDS

MADISON

Introduction to Design In looking at natural systems, it is apparent that every structure is made up of a pattern. Similarly, on an urban scale, cities have their own pattern in order to function efficiently. Within each of these patterns, whether cellular or urban, are nodes, or moments of connection. In an urban setting, a public transit system references some of these ideals by utilizing these moments of pause along a larger path. Therefore, how can we redefine Cincinnati’s abandoned underground subway tunnels as a functioning system of parks? We can think of this 2-mile site as a network of space, drawing connections between different neighborhoods of the city, by analyzing the threshold into the underground, the moments of occupation within the three remaining stations, and the journey along the route.

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1) Race Street Station 2) Liberty Street Station 3) Brighton Station 2

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1) Race Street Station 2) Liberty Street Station 3) Brighton Station

1) Race Street Station 2) Liberty Street Station 3) Brighton Station

1) Race Street Station 2) Liberty Street Station 3) Brighton Station

Threshold & Neighborhood Adjacencies

Occupational Density

Subway Route in Section

ART

What Defines a Park?

COMMUNITY

PLAY

1) ART | Race Street Station 2) PLAY | Liberty Street Station 3) COMMUNITY | Brighton Station

A R T | Race Street Station The first stop on our journey is the Race Street Station, located in Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati. Intented to be the main hub of the entire loop, it is the largest of the remaining stations.

When thinking about art as a public entity, it is essential that the pieces are universally accessible and inspire beauty. In this scenario, the ramp becomes an occupiable feature, with three stops created along the path resembling various moments in time, and showcasing a different type of art at each landing. The journey to the underground is a gradual one, blurring the boundary between aboveground and below until the user is completely immersed in an otherwise untouched tunnel.

Enlarged Site Plan 1” = 50’

Transverse Section 1’ -0” = 3/16”

EXHIBITION SPACE

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LIGHTING INSTALLATION

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INTERACTIVE ART

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P LA Y | Liberty Street Station Liberty Street Station is centrally located along the route, in close proximity to Findlay Market and several small parks. This being a lively area in northern OTR, the threshold for this station is a whimsical form, still occupiable but not as structured, leaving the path open to the user’s imagination. This ramp encourages a continuous journey rather than being composed of purposeful stops along the way.

Enlarged Site Plan 1” = 20’

Transverse Section 1’ -0” = 1/4”

THRESHOLD

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C O MM UN I TY | Brighton Station Brighton Station is located in a historic, mostly-residential neighborhood north of Over-the-Rhine.

For this space, inspiration was drawn from a park’s unbiased ability to bring together a community and its diversity. Such as a gazebo acts as a point of rest or event space within a park, the ramp landing in this instance is extended to reflect these same elements, jutting out into the adjacent environment, making a literal connection to the community.

It creates a sense of accessibility in that one does not have to directly occupy the ramp or tunnels to be on the journey.

Enlarged Site Plan 1” = 20’

Transverse Section 1’ -0” = 3/16”

LANDING

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BIKE & PEDESTRIAN PATH

BIKE & PEDESTRIAN PATH

ART | Race Street Station

PL AY | Liberty Stre

eet Station

C O M M U N I T Y | Brighton Station