Historically, Over the Rhine has been a cultural throughway. Single generational flights have left empty visual reminders of the past with no infrastructure to complete the picture. Through incorporation of existing architecture while injecting a cellular school structure onto the site, the design crucially weaves past and present with a community building thread. A school provides the democratic platform to enact holistic education inside classrooms and outside community. A simple cruciform plan composed of the juncture between a ramp, a walkway, balcony and path, gives the site a central gathering space. Grassy mounds protect this heart from the main street while providing interior facing underground classrooms as well as amphitheater seating for outdoor performances.
Am Sea p. tin g
Fr Ent ont ran ce
Par k Ent ing ran ce
Bac k Sch of ool
Und
Li erg brar y/ rou nd Adm C in lass/
PUBLIC LIBRARY
p Ram +3’
8 7
ENTER
1
CHILDREN’S GARDEN COMMUNITY GARDEN
OUTDOOR SEATING
2
PARKING
WALKWAY
SCHOOL
MUSEUM
3
OV ER
COMPREHENSIVE SITE
BUS LANE
6 5
HA NG
-3’ +4’
Existing architecture Pod Sprouts 1 Public Library Cafeteria
+6’
GROUND LEVEL
4
Sidewalk
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Children's Library Creative space Retractable wall for outdoor performances Grassy amphitheater seating Natural classroom buried underneath Administration