Following winter break, the interior design students had the opportunity to collaborate among classes to design a pop up shop in Columbus Ohio's North Market. This space needed to promote Ohio State's Urban Farm initiative by bringing fresh food and produce to under served urban communities around Columbus and educate people on sustainable farming practices. The pop up shop aims to serve as both a marketplace and an educational space. It should reflect the Ohio State's ethos and must be adaptable to various urban settings. In addition to creating a semi permanent 20'x14' pop up shop, each team will also design a spoke location. The spoke is to be a temporary or mobile concept that will be located and travel across Columbus to serve food dessert locations.
We worked in teams of six to complete this project. In each team there was two second year interior design students, two third year, and two fourth year. By working with students from each class, we were able to further our connections and learn more about the design process. As a second year student in this project, I was able to learn a lot and gain inspiration on how to tackle these projects from the upper level students. We were given one week to complete these and presented our concepts at the end of that week. I am proud to say that my team was one of the winners of the charette.
Our Concept
Roots & Wellness is a collaborative project between Ohio State University's Urban Agriculture Center and North Market, designed to bring fresh, locally sourced produce and sustainable food practices to the forefront of Columbus communities. Our space aims to create an impactful, inspiring, and informative experience where the city gains awareness about the transformative benefits of urban farming. Serving as both a marketplace and an educational hub, this initiative addresses food insecurity, empowers individuals, and fosters community resilience through hands-on engagement with fresh food.
At the heart of the project is the Hub, space at North Market that offers an immersive community experience. The Hub connects visitors with gardening kits, composting tools, and cooking demonstrations while providing access to fresh produce, recipe samples, and educational workshops. Waste from North Market vendors is collected and repurposed into compost, natural dyes, or ingredients for zero-waste meals, emphasizing the importance of circular design and sustainability. Visitors are encouraged to drop off their own compost or sign up for the Spoke delivery service, bridging accessibility gaps and expanding the project's reach.
The Spoke delivery service takes this mission directly to Columbus neighborhoods, offering urban residents curated kits tailored for at-home use. From gardening and propagation kits to recipe packs featuring donated kitchen appliances, these resources empower participants to integrate sustainability into their daily lives. Additionally, the Spoke collects compostable materials and excess produce donations, ensuring a holistic approach to reducing waste and enhancing food access.
Rooted in the values of urban agriculture, sustainability, and community empowerment, this project promotes a hands-on, sensory connection with food. By fostering wellness and accessibility, Roots Wellness transforms the way Columbus engages with sustainable practices, creating a healthier, more resilient community for generations to come.
At the heart of the project is the Hub, space at North Market that offers an immersive community experience. The Hub connects visitors with gardening kits, composting tools, and cooking demonstrations while providing access to fresh produce, recipe samples, and educational workshops. Waste from North Market vendors is collected and repurposed into compost, natural dyes, or ingredients for zero-waste meals, emphasizing the importance of circular design and sustainability. Visitors are encouraged to drop off their own compost or sign up for the Spoke delivery service, bridging accessibility gaps and expanding the project's reach.
The Spoke delivery service takes this mission directly to Columbus neighborhoods, offering urban residents curated kits tailored for at-home use. From gardening and propagation kits to recipe packs featuring donated kitchen appliances, these resources empower participants to integrate sustainability into their daily lives. Additionally, the Spoke collects compostable materials and excess produce donations, ensuring a holistic approach to reducing waste and enhancing food access.
Rooted in the values of urban agriculture, sustainability, and community empowerment, this project promotes a hands-on, sensory connection with food. By fostering wellness and accessibility, Roots Wellness transforms the way Columbus engages with sustainable practices, creating a healthier, more resilient community for generations to come.
