Allison Loth, a fourth-year architecture student, won honorable mention in the international 2020 ACSA-AISC Steel Competition for her project “Transcend” in the urban food hub category. The category challenged students to explore issues related to the use of steel in design and construction for the creation of the food hub.

Working off a farmer’s market feel, Loth wanted to create a blend of indoor and outdoor space that would give people a market-like experience as they walked through the building to buy fresh goods. The design features outdoor corridors and gathering areas as well as moveable doors and shifting panels that create a dynamic relationship between indoor and outdoor space. The roof system has a sculptural quality that is not only inviting, but also plays with light and shadow through glass panels of varying transparencies and colors.

 

“For the roof, I really wanted to create something dynamic that would draw the Fort Wayne community to the site. I experimented with different materials and a curved space frame, as well as a unique column design to allow the structure to feel light and airy. I wanted the design of the roof to correspond with its title, Transcend, which also relates to my concept of transcending how we typically consume food today.” Loth said.

Professor Tim Gray was the faculty mentor for the project. MKM Architecture + Design in Fort Wayne provides support for the students in the annual competition.