In an ever-changing world where cities face unprecedented challenges, the power of design takes centre stage in the heart of historic downtown Columbus, Indiana. Exhibit Columbus 2023, aptly named ‘Public by Design’ is redefining the cityscape, inviting both residents and visitors to witness the transformative power of art and architecture. It is a celebration of design that transcends aesthetics, focusing on a profound idea: design by the public and for the public.

As cities worldwide grapple with issues like equity, sustainability and connectivity, Exhibit Columbus is a testament to the creativity, community, and the enduring spirit of exploration. This design exhibition is not just an assemblage of static installations; it is a living, breathing experience that brings the city to life. Visitors can meander through downtown Columbus, exploring 13 newly commissioned works of art and architecture. From the acclaimed J. Irwin and Xenia Miller Prize recipients to visionary University Design Research Fellows, these creators share a commitment to design with public spaces, infusing the city with innovation and imagination.

The heart of ‘Public by Design’ lies in its ability to engage the public and challenge traditional notions of architecture and design exhibitions. By fostering community involvement and a shared sense of ownership over public spaces, this exhibition sets a precedent for others worldwide. The exhibition is about reshaping historic downtowns as vibrant, equitable, beautiful, and joyful spaces. Throughout the exhibition the  design installations come to life with free events for all age groups. The air is filled with music, games like Bocce create moments of connection and children’s story time sparks young imagination. It is a celebration that transcends generations, showcasing that creativity knows no bounds.

In the afternoons, curatorial conversations take place, offering insights into the heart of Exhibit Columbus. Creative minds share their vision and process for 'Public by Design' inside the sanctuary of First Christian Church. "We wanted to demonstrate the basic idea that the best work is built with a broad belief in the collective power of community work and engagement,” said Bryony Roberts, one of the curators and Miller Prize Recipient in the 2018–2019 cycle of Exhibit Columbus.

In the evenings, the community gathers for 'Rock the Block' at Practice for Architecture and Urbanism's installation, InterOculus. Dance performances by various groups narrate the rich history of the Black experience, from gospel to hip-hop, thus activating the installations in the exhibition. “What we have built together is very special—an exhibition that residents and visitors want to explore and feel connected with, one that is filled with new places throughout the city where we can create and share meaningful new experiences,” said Mayor James Lienhoop. “I couldn’t be more proud of this community and what this exhibition is all about. This truly is one of the best places in the world to live, and it’s getting better every day.” STIR shines a spotlight on the multifaceted projects that constitute this exhibition, each presenting a distinct viewpoint on public spaces and their influence on urban landscapes.

Within the grand tapestry of Exhibit Columbus, one can discover innovative projects by the Miller Prize Recipients, a distinguished cadre of architectural visionaries. Here are a few projects that not only redefine design boundaries but also promise to shape the cityscape and catalyse thought-provoking discussions about our built environment. 

'Designed by the Public' by Tatiana Bilbao Estudio, Mexico City

This installation design by Tatiana Bilbao Estudio, located at the iconic Library Plaza in Mexico, aims to transform public spaces into a platform for collective and social exchange. It encourages visitors to freely use various objects, furniture, and equipment to build their own ideas, fostering an ongoing participatory process of community expression. The project is an invitation to everyone to make this public space their own, in their own way.

Civic Identity- InterOculus by Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU), New York City

InterOculus, located in Indiana's Columbus, is a canopy structure inspired by various cultural influences. It serves as a visual and physical destination revitalising downtown through suspension, illumination, and projection with the goal of connecting diverse communities and fostering positive social interaction. The project asks the community to enjoy the structure and advocate for permanent urban public space that connects Columbus's diverse communities.

Nature’s Connect - THE PLOT PROJECT by PORT, Philadelphia and Chicago

THE PLOT PROJECT integrates with the Mill Race Center and the surrounding landscapes to create a space for landscape rewilding experiments. The conversation stations are divided into 12 plots that serve as testing beds that have been grown over the course of a nine-month growing season. This encourages biodiversity while providing areas of reflection and social interaction, highlighting the relationship between people and nature. The colour of the stations riff on the mid-century formal architectural heritage and colour palette of Columbus.

Echoes of History by Zewde Harlem, New York

Zewde Harlem’s Echoes of the Hill Studio celebrates the deep history of Mill Race Park, creating a new public space for gatherings. It pays homage to the past while inviting the community to shape its future. The installation can be activated by special events or everyday usage while offering a festive backdrop to the open lawn. Celebrating the 30^th anniversary presents a literal and metaphorical “frame” on the pasts, presents, and futures of this land.

Adding to the intrigue of Exhibit Columbus are the University Design Research Fellowship projects that explore the intersection of architecture, innovation, and creativity. Within this space, here is a selection of projects that represent the cutting edge of design thinking, bringing emerging talent and ideas to reimagine the future of our built environment.

A Carousel for Columbus

This university design research project by Joseph Altshuler and Zack Morrison University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Architecture is a carousel-inspired installation that celebrates the city’s iconic architecture. It features rotating platforms for performances and visual play, offering a dynamic and flexible space for engagement.

Activating Spaces

PRISMA by Esteban Garcia Bravo and Maria Clara Morales, Purdue University is an interactive light installation that reactivates 'invisible' urban spaces. Inspired by Columbus' modern architectural legacy, a rectangular prism is used as a foundation to create an open-air tunnel with a free-flowing, animated lighted experience. It offers an animated and colourful experience, promoting community engagement and cultural events.

Playful Urban Intervention

Ground Rules designed by Jessica Colangelo and Charles Sharpless University of Arkansas is an architectural structure under the concrete colonnade of the Cummins Corporate Office Building that provides a playful space for office workers and downtown pedestrians. Floating above the ground, it offers seating and a gathering space using lightweight materials, encouraging spontaneous interactions and games.

Amplifying Architectural Narratives

Responder is a sound installation designed by Deborah Garcia Massachusetts Institute of Technology Department of Architecture Cambridge, Massachusetts. The installation amplifies the unique sounds of the Cleo Rogers Memorial Library, bringing attention to the building’s hidden sonic elements. It creates a therapeutic sound experience for visitors in the sunken courtyard.

Reinventing Meeting Spaces

Side Effects by Molly Hunker and Greg Corso Syracuse University School of Architecture Syracuse enhances visual and social connections in downtown spaces. It consists of brightly coloured shapes that bridge indoor and outdoor areas, creating a continuous public space for various activities and programs.

Interpreting the Past

Sylvan Scrapple by Katie MacDonald and Kyle Schumann University of Virginia draws parallels between waste in cooking and construction, creating a wooded oasis for dining and exchange. Salvaged wood, bricks, and other materials form an artistic installation that encourages reflection on the site’s history. This table is the venue for Table Scraps, an exhibition combining recipes with place settings, all sourced from the public.

Understanding Water Infrastructure

PIPE UP! by Halina Steiner, Tameka Baba, Forbes Lipschitz, and Shelby Doyle visually represents subterranean water infrastructure in urban development and agriculture. A vast network of buried pipes moves water throughout the built environment. It aims to raise awareness about water management and its impact on aquatic ecosystems, facilitating discussions about the future role of water in the area.

Exhibit Columbus 2023 also features the creative contributions of a High School Design Team and a communication design project, each adding distinct dimensions to the event. The High School Design Team presents Machi, a dynamic installation in Columbus, Indiana, reflecting its Japanese name, which signifies a bustling downtown area. Machi’s innovative design, consisting of over 1000 linear feet of steel tubing, offers both a large group space and intimate corners for customisation. With moveable chairs, tables, and a multi-level canopy, the installation fosters inclusivity and a sense of welcome for all visitors.

In parallel, the communication design project, 'Public by Design Signals', originating from Boston, Massachusetts, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the visitor experience. It devises a visual graphic and wayfinding system aligned with Exhibit Columbus’s existing brand, effectively directing visitors to landmarks, nodes, neighbourhoods, edges, and pathways. This system guides residents and visitors through the diverse array of installations, emphasising on the significance of Columbus' heritage during the 2023 exhibition. Through a public process, the project produces documentary graphics that evolve to encapsulate the experience of this year’s Exhibit Columbus, focusing on the importance of thoughtful design in shaping public spaces.

The exhibition is on view until November 26, 2023. Beyond the main showcase, a host of projects and events awaits, including enlightening Miller Prize conversations, Next Generation Day for youth and families, and the dynamic Activations in Space: the 2023 University Design Research Fellowship Colloquium.

Exhibit Columbus 2023 is not merely a fleeting event; it’s a celebration of the present moment. Here, creativity moulds the city’s identity. Strengthening its commitment to continuous improvement. Beyond the art and architecture, it is a reminder that we can create experiences that unite people, breathe new life into historical spaces, and leave an enduring legacy of creativity.