Section 001 Streetscape Improvement

SYNOPSIS
The Section 001 studio course at DAAP focused on designing public furniture for a vacant lot in Clifton Heights, a project made possible by a $17,000 grant from the College Hill Community Redevelopment Corporation (CHCURC).

This collaborative studio allowed us to craft solutions to transform the space into a vibrant “third place,” promoting social interaction among students and residents alike.

The designs emphasized programmability and community engagement, with the goal of creating lasting installations that invite people to gather and connect.
TYPE
Creative Direction
Design Research
Furniture Design
Fabrication
3D Visualization
DATE
Summer 2023
CREDITS
Section 001 Class of 2024 (see below)

John B. Dixon - Professor
Collin Comier - Assistant Professor
Miami Celentana
Eliot Harned
Eliza Angelo
Sharvari Girish Patil
Aaron Bradley
Sydney Myers
Miami Celentana
Eliot Harned
Eliza Angelo
Sharvari Girish Patil
Aaron Bradley
Sydney Myers
Miami Celentana
Eliot Harned
Eliza Angelo
Sharvari Girish Patil
Aaron Bradley
Sydney Myers

"Strengthening social networks is a crucial step to reviving neighborhoods and addressing social problems. Third places can do much to help stabilize communities and reduce social problems."

-Brookings.Edu
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/third-places-as-community-builders/

The Team

Professor: John B. Dixon
Assistant Professor: Collin Comier

Vinamra Agarwal, Juliana Bongiorno, Leo Brock, Audrey Burnard, Erica Frost, George Hausberger, Grant Kilgard, Lili Kottmyer, Max Lange, Kye Longbrake, Drew Mather, Loren Mitchell, Taegan Phelps, Ethan Phillips, Virginia Sheldon, Rachel Smith, Joey Stange, Malik Tucker, Bella Walker, Adam Wolshire

My Roles

Voted Creative Director of the Studio
Lead Class Research Sessions
2D & 3D Ideation
Facilitated sourcing of Materials
Created 1:1 Scale Sheet Metal Fabrication Drawings
Provided CAD & Visionary Renders,
Assisted in Final Fabrication & Installation

Hand painting furniture and DIY projects often result in inconsistent paint thickness and messiness, requiring a more streamlined and cleaner approach for a polished finish.

Entry-level paint sprayers, typically priced between $40 and $100, are budget-friendly options suitable for DIY enthusiasts. However, they often come with limited features, sacrificing advanced functionalities for affordability.
‍

Entry Level

Walking home

Professional paint sprayers, ranging from $400 to $1500, offer robust performance but at a higher cost. While they provide superior capabilities, their interfaces can be complex, requiring a learning curve for users to harness the full potential of these high-end tools.

Professional

Autumn Streets

The options for a DIY solution are limited...

Autumn Streets

What is Section 001?

We are a collaborative studio of 21 industrial designers from the College of Design, Architecture, Art & Planning (DAAP) at the University of Cincinnati, lead by John B. Dixon and Collin Comier.

In a collaborative 15 week studio course, we created a collection of public furniture that activates an underdeveloped plot of land in Uptown Cincinnati, Ohio.

The furniture explores diverse materials and processes, unified by form, material, and color, while considering production feasibility and the principles of good design (form, contrast, balance, unity, etc.).

Pictured right is Section 001 for 3CDC

In Collaboration with CHCURC

The Clifton Heights Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation (CHCURC) was formed as a collaboration between the Clifton Heights Business Association, CUF Neighborhood Association, and the University of Cincinnati.

The Board of Trustees is comprised of representatives from all three organizations, working together to revitalize the Clifton Heights neighborhood through strategic initiatives and redevelopment projects. These goals were outlined in the Clifton Heights/UC Joint Urban Renewal Plan.

Check out CHCURC's projects here

Graphic by Juliana Bongiorno for section 001 Instagram

CHCURC's Beautification Brief

Develop and install custom public furniture designed to revitalize an underused area in Clifton Heights, Ohio. Enhance the space’s functionality and street presence, encouraging greater community engagement and use.

Space to be Activated

Collaborated with John & Colin to Establish Our 6 Design Areas

Underdeveloped Plot on the Outskirts of UC's Campus

Initial Brief

Analogue. Public-Grade. Seating.
All solutions must be analogue, require little to no maintenance, involve seating, be public-grade in construction and of course…it needs to look cool.

Establishing Research Areas

Six groups investigated insights from field research on third places, public art, abstract and public furniture, high-concept design, and how these elements contribute to the activation of public spaces.

Public Art

Abstract Furniture

Hi-Concept Furniture

3rd Place - Domestic

3rd Place - International

Urban Activation

Hi-Concept & Abstract Contract Furniture

Secondary & field research with Drew & George exploring high concept residential elements that can be applied to public, outdoor furniture.

Research, Iterate, Repeat

6 groups delved deeper into their respective research categories, resulting in 50+ concepts per group. This process was repeated 3 more times to further iteration.

Guest Critique Insights & Pivot Point

Members from CHCURC dropped into one of our critiques to offer us guidance, allowing the class and I to create following design guidelines to keep us on track.
After receiving feedback from CHCURC, we recognized the need to scale back our concepts and align them with more practical, grounded solutions.

Harmonious
"Kit of Parts"
Main Attraction &
Supporting Elements
(Islands & Continent)
Visceral Yet Practical
Inherently Reflective
& Perceived Value

Further Ideation Focused More on Traditional Seating Solutions

After receiving CHCURC's feedback, the team split up one last time for a final round of iterations, and the final direction was then voted on.

Programmable Furniture for the Masses

In our second round of iteration, groups were divided to narrow into a more relevant area of furniture. In this phase, my group explored modular, public infrastructure that would adapt to the needs of the community.

A Scalable Furniture System

Simple bent sheet steel, threaded rod, and composite decking come together to form semi-circular seating & slatted benches with steel table inserts. Grey round tables by George Hausberger.

Simplicity through Materials

Taking both budget constraints and available space into account, we finalized a design that incorporates a sculptural interpretation of the Pringle shape, parametric-inspired seating, modular planters, and compact tables for the community to gather, eat, or work.

All pieces use hand-polished steel rebar, sheet steel, and powder coated sheet steel.

Where it Stands

Next Project