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Community Engagement
main seating + view to patio
STUDIO VI
SPRING 19
217 N WATER STREET KENT, OHIO
9,000 SQ FT
3 LEVELS
Developing a reuse feasibility study and designing a historic building with the understanding of future community development and growth of the environment
This was a semester-long project where I studied the Mill District of Kent, Ohio to create a community driven design. The history of the area, current tenants, neighborhood context, and regional design initiatives were all considered.
The Problem
The historic Mill District of Kent, Ohio is a cultural hub for the community. Its proximity to the Cuyahoga River initially attracted Kent's inhabitants, and the architecture along North Water Street reflects the creative and artistic spirit that first occupied it. Over the years, it lost its liveliness. My task was to redesign the Mill District in order to spark community engagement.
Initial Explorations + Research
I studied North Water Street as a whole to understand its needs. I narrowed in on a couple particular buildings, and finally landed on 217 N Water St.

217 North Water Street, now a law office, first appeared on maps in 1893. Its construction suggests a Richardson Romanesque Revival style from the 19th century with its large, heavy stone arched windows and corbeling along the roof line.


Proposed Use
Ice Cream + Bar

The ice cream bar + event space is welcoming to people of all ages and cultures. Kent State University students are major users of the space. The space accommodates users of all abilities and health. Users looking for a place to hang out with friends, have a delicious treat, or laugh during a comedy show enjoy this environment. It is a place to get away from the realities of everyday life by entering into a uniquely captivating environment.
Concept
Variable Carving

Inspired by the Cuyahoga River, the natural element Kent was founded on
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Lotic ecosystem: constantly moving body of water​
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Conceptual Ideas:
-Connections to other ecosystems and cities
-State of continuous change
-Variability in flow rates of water
-Power to erode, transport, deposit
-Carves out land and shapes space
-Moments of still + Areas of movement
-Unpredictability
-Unique
Schematics



Design Development
I leaned into the concept of variable carving inspired by Kent's Cuyahoga River and used it as inspiration in the design development of the new ice cream bar. Just as the land is carved and shaped by the river, the space is also carved and shaped, creating moments of stillness and areas of movement.


Final Production


street view

street view evening

entry





entry wall

seating + feature stair



ice cream bar



custom benching + view to kitchen

level two viewing

level two event space

outdoor patio

outdoor seating

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