Harmonic Convergence

Project Narrative

Harmonic Convergence is the re-envisioned Cincinnati Public Library with a design emphasis on music. This project is an exploration of creating a third place in Cincinnati where the community can come together to engage in a variety of activities that encourage well-being, growth, and education for everyone to pursue their dreams and passions. To curate the needs of the various users, an assortment of third-place program spaces were included such as an exterior space, community-based program spaces, a café, open workshops, studios, a maker space, a children’s STEAM village, and an in-between spaces. Our design drivers strove to highlight community engagement, ultimately pulling inspiration from a Cincinnati historical cultural landmark and musical presence in the community, King Records. Our concept aimed to incorporate the diverse characteristics of music to utilize art, technology, and science in a third place that allows Cincinnatians to make a mark in their community. We pulled design inspiration from the ideas of musical elements like the staff, clefs, and notes, abstracting and extruding these elements into three-dimensional variations. Some areas where this is evident are the main stair, the archway, the carving wall, and harp element at the lobby, and the overhead bridge façade. The final design is that of a third place where all of Cincinnati and beyond can pursue their passions provided by the various modes of opportunities and musical inspiration driving curiosity. Whether this opportunity is selling products in the outdoor kiosk, recording your voice in the studios, physically engraving your mark on the wall, or exhibiting artwork in the library, Cincinnati’s community will continue to evolve alongside the library and leave its mark on its past. We aim that this design engages visitors and sparks community growth for years to come. For more info, please visit https://youtu.be/vuXevq_WX6I

                                           

Project Details

Submission Category

Interior Architecture- Large Scale (>5,000 sf)

Date of Completion

December, 2021

Submitting Firm Name

Brianna Schaaf, Cecelia LeMelle

Project Team

Student Team Members

Brianna Schaaf, Cecelia LeMelle