Knowledge Bank

To fulfill a research distinction in Interior Design at The Ohio State University, I created a comprehensive interior design proposal for a recreation and wellness center in the Franklinton neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. With a focus on holistic wellness and community building, I completed secondary research regarding motivation factors, social concepts of sport, and interior design case studies to better inform my programming and aesthetic decisions. Enhancing community spirit through understanding the people and catering the experience to them creates relationships with the space. Exploring how the ideas of exercise, sport, and community collaborate into a comprehensive program by understanding human tendencies better informs the placemaking for a successful design. Placemaking is vital to interior design education, where the dichotomy of intention and critical thinking transform the relationship of people and spaces. Analyzing the current conditions of Franklinton will ensure the proposal has an opportunity to make an impact on the community; the interior creating a safe and comfortable place for residents to learn, grow, and thrive. Dissecting the current state of the community through the history, infrastructure, politics, and their current impact creates a better understanding around the lifestyle of residents in the area. The proposal’s primary goal is to provide the neighborhood of Franklinton a space to strengthen their bodies, minds, spirit, and community. Using pieces from sports around the world, community building advocacy, and motivation styles, the proposed recreation center brings a different energy to the neighborhood, adding a spark of vibrancy. Movement and sport have a unique psychological way of bringing people together and convening people for one common goal: here, winning means building community moral. In conclusion, the design utilizes adaptive reuse to revitalize a building and practice environmental consciousness while promoting movement within recreational sports leagues for all ages, open gym space, and numerous exercise classes. Integrating ideas of somatic therapy, the recreation center takes on strengthening minds and spirit alongside the body, with mindful and meditative offerings throughout the week. The recreation center intends to take care of the residents in hopes that healthy residents create a thriving community. Holistic wellness becomes the primary motivator, with every resource serving a direct purpose for the community as a whole.