Architecture Program
Date of this Version
May 2007
Abstract
Transportation facilities are compelling architectural structures because they are not built as a destination but rather as a facilitator towards its inhabitant’s destination. People from every background interact through chance encounters within transportation facilities. Because these facilities are not considered destinations their upkeep is often neglected and architectural aesthetic is not always a major concern for their design. This is most likely due to the fact that these structures are often funded by the local or national government and as long as these facilities continue to function at a mediocre pace, authorities find no reason to improve upon it. However these public spaces become part of the fabric of a city and it would be beneficial for them to function as a more sustainable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing environment. This statement is more true in Chicago then in most other metropolitan cities due to the fact that the rail system is elevated and its’ worn, 115 year old artery is exposed to the public. The intent of this project is to explore new ideas for infrastructural architecture and to resolve these ideas into an efficient transit system for the city of Chicago, with specific focus on the Loop. The terminal project will focus upon station and system redesign, and rail technologies while incorporating ideas of adding new modes of transport (i.e. biking, walking) to the elevated system that weaves itself through this very vertical city.
Comments
M.Arch Thesis, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, May 2007