The Somewhere Project

2020

Straight Creek, Kentucky

University of Kentucky

Situated around the abandoned coal-processing plant, the structures of the Education Center & Museum are embedded in the surrounding ridge, an artificial landform created by mountaintop removal processes. With downward-facing curtain walls, and positioned above the ravine, they spectate on the existing structures of the plant.

This constant reminder of the industry, the people it served, the country it powered, and the economic and environmental destruction it inadvertently caused pervades the experience of the Education Center & Museum as visitors circumvent the site.

The surrounding buildings are connected by a 0.4 mile (2,135 ft.) long circular walkway called The Ring. The Ring repeatedly disappears into the ground and reemerges as a Skywalk, reminiscing the descension and ascension journeys of the coal and the miners themselves. The Ring and Pedway also follow the formal language of the coal conveyors that connect various parts of the plant.

Named one of Dezeen’s Virtual Design Festival’s Top Ten

Credits

Jane Foote
Designer

Alexis Bowling
Designer

Adam Frampton
Mentor

Karolina Czekczek
Mentor