Revitalizing Downtown Columbus: The InterOculus Project

PAU – Practice for Architecture and Urbanism was honored as one of the recipients of the 2023 Miller Prize, focusing on the theme “Public by Design.” Their project, InterOculus, aimed to renew public interest and engagement with downtown Columbus, Indiana, under the additional prompt of “Civic Infrastructure.”

Creating a Cultural Crossroads

Located at the intersection of Washington and Fourth Streets, InterOculus transforms ordinary streetlight poles into a civic armature, serving as a cultural crossroads at the heart of Downtown Columbus. Lead architect Vishaan Chakrabarti led the project, collaborating with engineering firms RBHU, Elizabeth Woolf, and Katahdin Engineering, along with general contractor Taylor Brothers Construction CO.

Energizing Downtown with Community Engagement

Drawing on insights from workshops with residents, business owners, workers, and students, PAU’s design, initially intended as a temporary installation, received widespread acclaim for its impact on downtown revitalization. The intervention energizes the area, providing a focal point that encourages people to linger, socialize, and patronize local businesses.

Inspired Design Elements

InterOculus’s canopy form and celebratory purpose are the result of extensive community engagement, drawing inspiration from various sources. Influences include Rome’s Pantheon, the iconic archway marking the entrance to the Indiana State Fair, Zaharakos’ ice cream sundaes, and the architectural heritage of the Shawnee and Miami peoples.

Sustainable Design Approach

The project utilizes existing street pole foundations, recycling infrastructure to create an egalitarian visual and physical destination. By leveraging these foundations, InterOculus aims to revitalize downtown both day and night, offering unique experiences through suspension, projection, and illumination.

Fostering Social Connection

InterOculus invites the community to inhabit the structure, fostering positive social interactions and celebrating Columbus’s historic downtown. PAU advocates for the creation of permanent urban public spaces that unite the diverse communities and perspectives of Columbus, emphasizing the importance of social cohesion and collective engagement.