The second-year PLAN2012 Summer 2016 Studio at the School of Planning in the College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning at the University of Cincinnati drives on developing critical thinking and planning and design skills to address issues at the neighborhood scale. The studio is structured to create proposals that may lead to possible solutions. This year the studio was supported by 3CDC with Findlay Market as the client. The studio worked on a nine-block site area surrounding Findlay Market in the north part of Over-the-Rhine neighborhood in Cincinnati, OH.

Cincinnati has invested considerably in its urban core, with a streetcar that not only advances mobility but also economic development in downtown and Over-the-Rhine. With the revitalization of Over-the-Rhine, the area surrounding Findlay Market is going through an intense change with an influx of remodeled businesses and residential spaces. This is creating a vibrant precinct with increased foot-traffic and a higher demand for amenities, goods and services, and spaces for leisure and recreation. Along with this is also increasing the demand for service spaces, particularly parking. Findlay Market, as the client, sought for planning and design proposals to address several issues that could make the market a better resource for this growing community.

Working in teams, students have proposed planning and design ideas that create a better presence of Findlay Market by providing a clear vision for the extended market with the farmers’ shed and outdoor public gathering spaces. Planning and design proposals provide a more fluid pedestrian and bike connectivity to Findlay Market from all surrounding locations, and offer viable solutions for increasing demand for parking.