Mid-Reviews

Last week we had mid-review critiques for our bridge projects. Most students were hard at work finalizing their models and boards in preparation for Friday’s presentations. We’d like to thank representatives from Benesch Engineering, el dorado Architects, the Central Avenue Betterment Association, the Downtown Council, West 8 Urban Design & Landscape Architecture, Planning for the Unified Government of Kansas City, KS, and Dr. Stacey L. Hutchinson, Environmental Engineer & Associate Engineering Dean, for attending our presentation and providing feedback on each of our bridges. We presented a total of 15 designs, and with the help of everyone in attendance, we selected the five designs moving forward in development.

MODEL

Built from 1/8-inch chipboard, this model spans ten feet in length and 29 ½ inches in width, featuring an acrylic river, 3D-printed buildings, and a replica of the existing bridge. A few of us in the studio dedicated time from our busy schedules to construct it, ensuring everyone could use it to build their own bridge models. Each layer was carefully planned in our modeling software and then laser-cut with the help of local makerspaces, including Hammerspace and AAC Enterprise - Custom Laser Engraving Services Kansas City. We encountered some issues with our studio laser and couldn’t have completed this model without the support of these two local makerspaces—we’d like to extend our gratitude!

Seminar with NOMA KC

Our seminar event coincided with the NOMA KC Chapter Coffee Talk. NOMAKC Coffee Talk is a series of informal, casual conversations hosted by the NOMAKC to empower members and allies, explore solutions to industry issues, and foster a sense of community. This was a great way for us as students in the beginning stages of a career to hear from current professionals. This week we discussed career transitions, including the transition into leadership & supporting growth & development. As a student, this was an inclusive discussion with professionals. We were encouraged to talk about how we think about our careers in the future. It was also a great opportunity to ask questions about firm culture.

Happy Hour at Clark & Enersen

On Friday, March 7, we were invited to a happy hour hosted by the architecture firm Clark & Enersen, located in the Crossroads. During the event, we were given a tour of their office and treated to an insightful presentation about the firm’s areas of expertise. As we enjoyed drinks and snacks, we had the opportunity to learn more about the exciting work Clark & Enersen is doing!

While on our way to Clark & Enersen a few students including our professor took the KC Streetcar down to the Crossroads and enjoyed a walk in the crossroads to the Clark & Enersen offices!

Week 6/7: Studio Update

Conceptual Bridge Proposal Models

After the Community Stakeholder Meeting, our studio is using the feedback we received to further our designs. For the meeting, each student presented their conceptual models, exploring ideas about connection, movement, and their visions for the surrounding area. Discussing with the stakeholders gave us a better understanding of their perspectives and priorities, which we are using to shape the next steps in our designs.

El Dorado Firm Tour and Welding Tutorial

This week, our studio had the opportunity to visit El Dorado Architects in Kansas City. We toured their design workspace and their in-house fabrication shop. El Dorado is known for blending architecture with hands-on making, and this visit gave us a look at how they integrate design and fabrication under one roof.

A highlight from our visit was a welding lesson, where we had the chance to try out two types of welding: TIG and MIG. For many of us, this was a first-time experience. Seeing how El Dorado blends between concept and fabrication was inspiring, showing us how architectural ideas can be tested, refined, and built in-house.

KU Steamfest

A few members of our studio attended KU GEAR UP STEAMfest. GEAR UP helps the graduating classes of 2030 and 2031 develop the academic skills needed to enroll and succeed in postsecondary education. We had a great time teaching the kids about architecture, planning and design. After breaking into groups, students were encouraged to design their own “Ideal City” with attractions, housing, and stores. Once they had finished, the students named their city and showed it to their class. We had a great time at Steamfest this year and hope to return next year.

Week 4: Studio Update

Hi all, it's been a bit of a busy week, but we are back and continuing our efforts to grasp the potential of cardboard. Last Friday, we hosted the KU Urban Design capstone studio for a Happy Hour. We used this event to do a strength test of our Vignette #4, which was a strength test of a bridge made fully from corrugated cardboard with no glue. The strength test helped explore different structurable strategies; some were able to hold more than just the bricks, while some failed sooner. 

Happy hour // Bridge strength test

This week’s seminar was held at PH Coffee, where we listened to three speakers explain the evolution of the Crossroads. We learned many things, such as the establishment, its downfall, its rise to glory, and what it is today. We discovered how it wasn’t just the efforts of the community but also the vision of people who saw its potential. They didn’t just see a rundown city street; they saw communities of people from all sorts of backgrounds and the art they brought to the city

Regarding the advancement of our project, on Wednesday, we discussed with our advisors/partners and community stakeholders, who provided great feedback and insight into what the community truly needs to prosper. This helped deepen our understanding of what the bridge means for the community. After reviewing the feedback from stakeholders and community members, we can continue developing our vision for what the bridge represents for both sides of KCK and KCMO, as well as for those who travel here. This isn’t just about the residents; it’s about the potential for others who come and visit our great city. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to make progress.