As a result of a migration towards the Skywalk model in lieu of the traditional pedestrian side walk, the connection with the street level experience has diminished. The Loop & Hub proposes a reactive solution to this disconnect through physical linkages between the Skywalk level and the sidewalk level. The design is driven by the desire to create interactive, sculptural, and adaptable opportunities on various pedestrian stages.

This proposal suggests a strong adjustment to the traffic lanes on Locust Street as the vehicular circulation is limited to a one way bus lane and a bicycle lane. Optional seating will be provided throughout the Hub for use by pedestrians and motorists. Due to the connection created in the Loop & Hub between the Skywalk network and the street, pedestrian circulation can now flow freely between two environmentally friendly forms of transportation throughout the downtown district.

The Loop & Hub is proposed as a prototype. Just as the activity within this initial proposal is interactive and adaptable, the additional implementations can also possess various activities. Suggested programmatic elements within these prototypes explore a variety of existing cultural interests and community needs: a theatrical performance space, a sculptural exhibition space, fitness space, and an urban park.

CULTURAL INTERESTS & COMMUNITY NEEDS

ENGAGEMENT WITH PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

The Loop & Hub is derived from the connective presence of the Skywalk network as the Skywalk bridges create the Loop above the intersection of 7th Street and Locust Street. This Loop encloses a unique spatial environment within its boundaries that becomes the Hub of the proposed social activity. As this condition exists numerous times within the urban fabric, additional Hubs can be connected to their respective Loops, creating a greater impact on the urban fabric of downtown. In addition to acting as a physical linkage between the levels of pedestrian circulation, the desire of the Loop & Hub is to draw upon the linear tension between the State Capitol Building and the John & Mary Pappa John Sculpture Park. As these various sites fall squarely on the axis that connects these two destinations, the proposal serves the action of placemaking as it develops another node of activity along an existing urban axis.

PHYSICAL LINK

LOOP & HUB

GROUND PEDESTRIANS

GROUND PEDESTRIANS

LOOP

HUB

URBAN PARK

FITNESS

SCULPTURAL EXHIBITION

PERFORMANCE

CIRCULATION CONTEXT

CULTURAL AXIS

PROTOTYPE LOCATION

EXISTING POINTS OF INTEREST

OBSERVED CULTURAL AXIS

EXISTING GROUND CIRCULATION

EXISTING SKYWALK NETWORK

VARIANCE IN PEDESTRIAN LEVELSBLURRING BOUNDARIES

SUMMER PERSPECTIVE

WINTER PERSPECTIVE

HUB IDENTITY

PEDESTRIAN ACTIVITIES (PERFORMANCE PROTOTYPE)