Lydia Arman

Interior Design, 2024

With a speculative mindset, this project aims to use adaptive reuse as well as the creative processes of interior design including programming and space planning to reimagine a new use for a historic engine house in Franklinton Ohio. As a small community disadvantaged over the years due to flooding, the neighborhood has not historically had the same economic growth and social mobility as other nearby communities. What Franklinton does have is a set of non-profit community organizations that are committed to “driving much needed connections to education and available resources currently unknown to existing Franklinton families and residents” (Franklinton.org). Through the re-utilization of Engine House NO 6, this project envisions the transformation of this structure into a dynamic, multi-purpose space that will serve as a home for local non-profit organizations deeply rooted within the community of Franklinton. Engine House NO.6 has the interior ability to foster nonprofits in carefully curated spaces providing a comfortable environment to encourage collaboration between organizations. The cafe and co-working space welcomes the public, providing a relaxed and inviting environment for individuals to connect and network. Private office and conference spaces supply the non-profit organizations with places to hold meetings or counseling services that might require a private setting. The event center offers adaptable space and ample storage for the unique services each non-profit provides. The garage doors located in the front of the building allow easy access to the outside, providing a place for outdoor work, as well as a space for “Franklinton.org on wheels”-a van for all the non profits to use, extending their outreach beyond this building. Those goals will be met through sustainability, biophilia, wellness, identity, belonging, and creative place making. By fostering a place for collaboration, this project aspires to create a space that meets the practical needs of the non-profit organizations and the residents of Franklinton.

Lydia Arman is a visionary designer, possessing an innate passion for interior design, driven by a desire to craft spaces that foster community and elevate human experiences. With a keen eye for detail and a creative flair, they specialize in creating environments that not only captivate the senses but also inspire meaningful connections among people. Their commitment to excellence is evident in every project, where they seamlessly blend aesthetics with functionality to curate spaces that resonate with warmth and vitality. With a dedication to innovation and a deep understanding of the power of design, Lydia continues to redefine the boundaries of interior design, shaping environments that enrich lives and bring people together.