PORT FOLIO
By Stella Lepkowski
TOWARDS NEW URBAN FRONTAGE
BENSON, NEBRASKA 40-YEAR MASTER PLAN
In collaboration with Josiah Nolting and Sean Kelly
Rooted in Benson’s cultural identity as a hub for art, performance, and community, the project ensures its unique character is recognized and respected throughout the design process. Intentions and development are designed to empower the current community and establish Benson as a vibrant cultural and artistic center for Omaha. With a vision of introducing a progressive urban design, this project aims to connect Omaha’s micro-cities while prioritizing sustainability through reduced emissions and innovative energy solutions for the future.
Of
Ethnicity Household Location
City Of Omaha Neighborhood And Park Location
Benson District Bus Routes And Stops
Benson District Hospital Locations
City
Omaha
Art Locations
JFON Art
Art Heavy Ally
Site Boundary
Built before 1920
Built 1920-2000
Historical Boarder
Site Boundary
Downtown Benson Historical Sites
Downtown Benson Artwork
PRESERVING CULTURE AND ECOLOGIES
This eidetic captures the rich culture that defines Benson, nurtured by a supportive community that welcomes people from near and far to share experiences and knowledge. Over time, those who have lived in or visited Benson have played a role in shaping its vibrant cultural identity. To ensure this legacy endures, it is vital to preserve the spaces, traditions, and values that have made Benson a unique and lasting hub of connection and creativity.
DEVELOPING FOR THE FUTURE
To develop the downtown Benson area into a new cultural and artistic hub for Omaha, program iteration was first explored to understand ways that sustainable techniques could be implemented into a new building design plan. While considering energy systems, buildings were also modeled to include collaborative spaces open to everyone, within the business district. Here, people can come together to share ideas, or work independently in a flexible environment. Aiming to create dynamic spaces that fostercommunity and environmental innovation.
CRAFTED TO ITS SURROUNDINGS
Crafting the newly modeled massings of the downtown area, it was crucial to format this to existing traffic conditions while introducing evolved ways of movement whether on foot or wheels. It is in this phase of design where discoveries can be applied and molded to the needs of the sites surroundings.
