Concept: Square Re-envisioned (edit)

So, I finally wrapped up the reconceptualization of Mt. Lookout Square (in Cincinnati, Ohio). Here's the final render...

Click to view larger.

Not the best illustration I've ever done, by any means - ignored rules of perspective, and deliberately skewed the park space to clearly depict all of the elements. It's just a quick wrap-up of the earlier post on this subject.

I'd spend more time on it - visualizing other details & plans that I have for the Square - but I'm not getting paid. It's just a side concept, so it ends here.

If interested, you can check out the full process at my other blog.

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Concept: Square Re-envisioned

My concept for Mt. Lookout Square (Cincinnati, Ohio).
Click for a slightly larger view.

Some of you may have concluded by now that I love my hometown and its history, which is why I hate to see deterioration and neglect (mainly caused by the automobile) in once-thriving spaces - especially locales with original walking Squares (something rare in today's world) - which is why I took some time to reconceptualize the place.

One can argue that Mt. Lookout is already a hoppin' spot, but just think how much more attractive it would be to remove the (roughly) 30 parking spots in the middle of the mayhem and replace it with some parkspace - a central gathering point for the local inhabitants.

Well, "the board" beat me to the punch. Check out these renderings of the recently-proposed greenspace from Vivian Llambi & Associates:

This is great - streamlines the space, adds greenery, and pulls in that incredibly-important central gathering space for the Square.
Still, what if...

I'll post my final renderings shortly.


• Thanks to UrbanCincy for the news and images.

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RIP Bernie

Bernie Fuchs: 1932-2009.
Excellence defined.

• Read more about Fuchs at Today's Inspiration & Illustration Art. View some of his work at Leif Peng's Flickr, Telluride Gallery of Fine Art, and Sports Illustrated. More condolences at The Washington Post & Westport NOW.

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Sketchbook Blather: Church

Old St. George (Cincinnati, Ohio).

Prior to losing its steeples.

Another building. May delve back into figurative stuff here soon...

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Sketchbook Blather: A McD's Afternoon Brew

Sketchbook Blather: This Morning's Starbucks

Sketchbook Blather: Shrunken Heads

Some Famous People...

...and Me [2007].

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Concept: Sunken Castle (layout/elements)

Some more elements of the ride concept based on my "Lord Wendelin's Sunken Castle" children's story...


First, some changes to the route:

Mini-Map (edit).

This version primarily lies ground level, with the final fall to lead briefly below
ground. Eliminates unnecessary crossings - difficult & costly for a "dark" water ride.
Compare with the first version, which needed a 3-4 story tall enclosed building.

Approaching the ride building, you first see the entrance:

Ride Entrance (building exterior).
Dilapidated barn/stable or servants' cottage on the outskirts of the castle grounds.
Encounter turnstyles just beyond beams, with theming throughout wait
area as overgrown fields/garden.

On top of the roof would be the ride's title sign (something like this):

Ride Signage (entrance).
Old worn paper (the overused scroll or map cliché) reflecting the story's era.
Other variations of this concept to come.

After you enter through the barn and weave through the turnstyles, you board one of the many waiting boats:

Ride Vehicles.
Small worn/weathered wooden boats with complete theming,
including hooks and rope. "Missing" oars reflect the uncontrolled journey,
and elements from the abandoned complex that were lost over time.

And here's another quick schematic of the castle (the exterior of which wouldn't be seen in full until near the end of the ride):

Castle (schematic, side exterior).
Not settled on this look - upcoming alteration to reflect the story's darker aesthetic.
Compare with the extremely loose prior version.

More images of every aspect of the ride to come, along with complete masterplan layout, background development, story line, style references, scene concepts, color studies, and other specificities.
Stay tuned!

Related Posts
Sunken Castle (Library)
Sunken Castle (Mini-Map)
Sunken Castle (Eddy)
Sunken Castle

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