With Fall classes kicking off at WSU Spokane's Interdisciplinary Design Institute it can only mean a charrette isn't far away. This year the focus was on the Loof Carousel and students were tasked with designing a new carousel building to enhance both Riverfront Park and the Looff Carousel. No small task.
For 48 hours 28 teams of students crafted various ideas and concepts. In the end one team's work was awarded the coveted Honor Award.
"The winning team (Jason Bushman-architecture, Liliya Rusavskaya-interior design, Bianna Musser-interior design, and Rachel Aust-interior design) captured the meaning of this project with Go for the Gold Ring."
"Their design concept incorporated the use of rings and the idea of reaching for the prize-throughout history, when one captures the gold ring, they win a free ride. This concept was used throughout the building, from the glass rings in the ceiling to reflect the light, to the circular design of the building, and a "reaching" staircase leading to a better view of the Spokane River.
Even the new proposed location of Skyridge Meadow in Riverfront Park integrated the notion of reaching. The design combines the traditional space for the carousel and new facilities that enhance the overall experience with historical education and most importantly a gathering destination for welcoming Spokane's visitors and community members."
Design aside, the proposed location get's our vote. Nice work.
Why fix what isn't broken? The existing building is great. It's transparent, scaled appropriately, and nostalgic. I would much rather see students take a crack at the old science center, the current YMCA, or one of several small amphitheatres that are completely underutilized.
Posted by: spencer | September 05, 2008 at 03:01 PM