A Common Species: BART

Year Fall 2015, Spring 2016 | Class DSit105 Advanced Interior Architecture Studio | Professor Joris Komen | Partner Maryam Batouli

Abstractions of common domestic objects translated into the built space.

The goal of the 2016 19th Street BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) plan was to develop a long-term vision to upgrade and modernize the station's function, safety, capacity, sustainability, and appearance and to improve the overall customer experience. The concept behind this redesign was to transform BART's public space into an Artists' Coalition for local Oakland artists and residents. The three-level, highly populated station utilized areas to showcase paintings, graphics, graffiti, pottery, sculptures, etc.

The study of materials began with exploring and manipulating everyday objects re-imagined into building and aesthetic applications to the BART station. Highly used items include calculators, alarm clocks, straws, and yarn. These objects were melted together, placed in concrete molds, slathered in eco-resin, and photoshopped to showcase texture and color. Throughout the space, you may be able to spot where some of these materials were placed.