Jordan Lindberg
The existing space is currently a restaurant and cafe known as Union Rec. The restaurant serves American- Latin fusion food as well as coffee. The interior of the space is separated only by a few walls for the kitchen, bathrooms, and a private seating space. The site was recently renovated in 2022 after being abandoned during the coronavirus pandemic.
Union Rec has four entrances, two in the front, one on the side and one in the back. The structure is supported by large concrete beams and long metal I-beams attaching from one to the other. There is a barn-like ceiling that allows for a taller kitchen space and slanted ceilings that are supported by wooden beams. Pendant, wall mount and column wrapped lights are placed within the space to create ambience and elegance.
The kit of parts diagram above shows the matter that is making up the existing structure, such as, wooden trusses, concrete columns, steel beams, and large windows made of glass and wood. The backbone of the walls are made of corrugated metal, brick, and concrete while the finishings are wallpaper, wood and paint.
Above, an ANT map showcases a new program idea of the site utilizing a similar theme, food, with a unique theme, gymnastics. The two are closely looked at in relation to behavior and significance. A common topic is the varying possibilities and approaches to both food and gymnastics due to diverse communities. In food, we can see a large culture shift in types of meals and in gymnastics we can see a change in equipment and pace due to differences in abilities.
The site creates a unique experience for users by combining the two categories, food and gymnastics together. The intertwining of items invent courses that challenge people as they circulate the space in different ways. The courses are accessible to many ages, body types, and abilities and can be used at adjustable levels.
Right upon entry into the space through the far left door, users are greeted with two clear paths, one towards the food truck and trampoline fruit picking, and the other towards the main first floor space. If one continues left, they may go up the ramp and find their way into the Sprinkle Pit by gliding down the two slides. If a user goes right first, then they are greeted instantly by the beam swings, equipment that assists people with moving across the space.
Gymnastics stuff and food stuff pass along this parallax to showcase the use of items within the structure. A ramp goes up to the top of the space into a newly created second floor that hosts two slides taking people instantly from an exposed exterior space to an enclosed and interactive space. The ramp leads users along the space into a series of challenges while also allowing accessibility for a variety of users.
The Sprinkle Pit is the core of circulation in the space and can be accessed through many courses. Hot Dog Hops is a course that challenges people to jump from one sauce to another in order to dispense the toppings of choice onto their hot dog. The Hot Dog Hops lead users further into the Supermarket Jungle where strength and coordination are tested by swinging from rope to rope and grabbing cereal off of the shelves. The ropes and shelves are placed at different levels to accommodate people of varying body types. Lastly, the Sundae Hops overlooks the Sushi Run and provides entertainment to watch the race against teams of two. Player one plates as much nigiri as possible within the set amount of time, while player two runs on the block to move the conveyor belt.