Students help envision carousel home

“Go for the gold ring” was the theme of the winning proposed design to create a new home for the Spokane carousel, developed by students of the Interdisciplinary Design Institute at WSU Spokane.

 

During the 10th annual fall design charrette, 28 interdisciplinary teams worked for 48 hours seeking to replace the home of the historic Looff Carousel in Riverfront Park.

 

The designs were judged by a panel of professionals from the university and community. Eight teams received awards.

 

The winner of the top Honor Award incorporated the idea of reaching for the prize — the brass or gold ring traditionally captured by carousel patrons, who then win a free ride. The concept was used in the building’s circular design, in suspended glass rings that reflect light and in a “reaching” staircase that leads to a view of the Spokane River.

 

The design combines historical education and tradition with new materials, amenities and location to enhance the facility as a gathering destination for the community.

 

“This project was not just about creating a building to house the carousel,” said Darrin Griechen, visiting assistant professor for the Interdisciplinary Design Institute. “It also was about creating a special sense of place within the park and the city. The students accomplished this very well.”

 

Ritzville hosts encore project
Four teams of design students will immerse themselves in Ritzville culture to study and design a city center concept around the primary downtown intersection. This project follows a 2005 project of the WSU Spokane Interdisciplinary Design Institute to convert the town’s old high school into a community center.

 

That project — Ritzville Community Development — can be found ONLINE @ www.spokane.wsu.edu/Academics/Design under Research & Service, Design Portfolio.
(From the Adams County Journal)