Lucy Virgei - ARTSCONNECT FRANKLINTON

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

ARTSCONNECT is a transformative initiative designed to foster creativity, emotional well-being, and personal growth in children aged four to fourteen. Located at Engine House 10 in Franklinton, Columbus, this adaptive reuse project breathes new life into a historic structure, transforming it into a vibrant hub for artistic exploration and community connection. The center’s mission is to empower children, particularly those from underserved and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, by providing a safe, nurturing environment where creativity and self-expression thrive.

Franklinton, known for its rich artistic history and resilience, offers the ideal backdrop for this project. The neighborhood faces challenges such as high poverty rates and limited access to extracurricular resources, which disproportionately affect its youngest residents. By addressing these gaps, the center aims to enhance children’s lives through structured art programs that promote skill-building, mental health support, and social development. The project leverages Franklinton’s existing community assets while addressing the specific needs of its residents, creating a space that uplifts and inspires.

This innovative program offers access to diverse artistic disciplines, including visual arts, music, crafts, and digital media. Art is used not only as a medium for creative exploration but also as a tool for emotional expression, cognitive development, and therapeutic relief. Flexible, inclusive spaces are designed to prioritize physical and emotional safety, encouraging collaboration and personal reflection.

VISUAL POSITIONING BOARD

DESIGN GOALS

Color for Emotional Expression: Soft, cool tones in calming areas, with bright, bold colors in active zones, will evoke a range of emotional responses, from relaxation to excitement.

Hierarchy in Movement: Curved and playful lines will guide children through spaces, creating a sense of exploration and imagination, mimicking the creative process.

Lighting for Emotional Well-Being: Adaptive lighting, with warm tones in quiet areas and vibrant, dynamic lighting in active zones, will promote both relaxation and creativity.

Tactile Textures for Engagement: A mix of smooth and rough textures, to provide hands-on sensory experiences, supporting emotional expression and engagement with the space.

Child-Centric Proportions: Playful, low-level furnishings and interactive elements designed at a child’s scale will encourage interaction, exploration, and a sense of ownership of the space.

CONCEPT STATEMENT

Palette of Emotions: The Palette of Emotions concept centers on the idea that art is not just a form of creative expression, but also a powerful emotional outlet for children. Art allows children to explore, express, and process a wide range of emotion; from joy and excitement to frustration, sadness, and wonder. ArtsConnect becomes a sanctuary where children are encouraged to engage with their feelings through various artistic mediums, creating a safe and supportive environment for emotional exploration. By integrating art and emotions, the center offers a therapeutic, holistic approach to child development, supporting mental health while fostering creativity.

Artistic expression becomes a way for children to paint, sculpt, draw, or build their emotions—using color, form, texture, and sound to communicate their inner world. This theme emphasizes that every emotion has a place and every feeling can be explored and validated through artistic activities. The center offers a spectrum of artistic opportunities that cater to these emotional experiences, providing a rich “palette” for self-discovery and emotional growth.

FLOOR PLANS

ELEVATIONS

ELEVATION 1

ELEVATION 2

DESIGN GOALS

Provide a Safe, Calming Space for Children: Create an environment that feels secure, both physically and emotionally, offering children a safe refuge for creative exploration.
Enhance Children’s Mental Health through Art: Use art as a therapeutic tool, creating a space that fosters emotional release, self-expression, and mental well-being.
Incorporate Playfulness and Engagement in the Environment: Design a space that is visually stimulating and fun, encouraging children to explore, play, and immerse themselves in artistic activities.
Foster Collaboration and Community: Design areas that promote interaction, teamwork, and a sense of belonging, encouraging social development through group activities.
Create Spaces for Emotional Expression and Exploration: Develop zones that allow children to express a range of emotions and moods, using art as a medium for exploration and self-discovery.
Ensure Flexibility and Adaptability: Design a space that can adapt to various activities and moods, offering versatile, multi-functional areas that support different forms of artistic expression.