The Rec-Stop

My concept design is small, innovative recreational shelter, (called the Rec-Stop) that provides an open-yet sheltered-restorative space for those exercising on Lincoln's trails.

Personally, as a runner, I know the continuous stress exercise can put on the body. The availability of public recreational shelters on trails are vital to not only the popularity of the trails but also to the safety of their users.

1. Autodesk Revit 2025
2. Printer Paper
3. Scotch Magic Tape
4. MakerBot Print
5. Method X 3D Printer

1. Lincoln, Nebraska, is a great city to get outside to enjoy “the good life”. With routes such as Mopac, Jamaica North, Billy Wolff and Murdock, Lincoln offers around 200 miles of trails that wind their way through the city.
2. With the multitude of trails in Lincoln, it was easy to find possible sites, however it was difficult to find the right one. Throughout my search across Lincoln, Billy Wolff Trail stuck out. This 11.25 mile trail starts downtown near the Bob Devaney Sports Center and snakes down south, ending at the Copple Family YMCA. Billy Wolff has 13 crossings below grade and connects with six other trails in Lincoln, explaining its constant traffic.
3. In the desired site zone, there are six public shelters with access to water, varying in different sizes, all having some sort of hip roofs. There is a mile stretch in between Phrases and Mendoza Park, in which there are two below grade street crossings without a shelter or water access. These below grade street crossings were promising in that one had about 200 square feet of unused concrete slab. It is the perfect location for my design.

Site Conclusion:

1. The high traffic on Billy Wolff with its need for a public shelter and the vacant space before the Old Cheney Road below grade crossing were the decisive factors in selecting the ideal site for my design.

1. As I mentioned earlier, the majority of public shelters on Billy Wolff are designed with different hip roof variations. However, these designs are traditional and simply overused.
2. Organic architecture is a style in which the designer aims to integrate the design into the environment or landscape. Overall, the design is to mimic the landscape. Inspired by this methodology, my design adverts from the traditional style, and resembles the oak trees surrounding the site with a hint of modern architecture.
3. The site is found where the trail curves right as it descends under Old Cheney road. The accessibility of the design for bikers, especially, was essential in designing the rec-stop, which is seen in my early models. 
4. Summers in Lincoln can get brutal. The average high from June-August is around 87 degrees Fahrenheit. And so when these temperatures even reach up to the high 90s, the importance of shade becomes key to the average pedestrian on Lincoln’s trails. In my design process, I researched the sun’s angle and path during the dog days of Nebraska. To accommodate the harsh weather, I incorporated gaps between 2x4s so that sunlight can still enter-but at the same time-the heat of the day will be limited. 
5. On the northeast wall, I was also able to put wall-mounted benches for practicality purposes.

Design Conclusion:

1. My Rec-Stop design fits to the need of the concept, with innovative shapes resembling organic and some modern architecture. Not only will the Rec-Stop match the site and concept, but it will be enjoyable and captivating.

1. My early modeling for the rec-stop was vital to how I would approach the project later on. Throughout this step, I drew sketches to analyze the possible functionality and eye-appeal the Rec-Stop would have.
2. First, I started out with simple concept elevations and floor plans, with a rough sketch of the site. From there, I found an organic shape I liked, and started to created a 3D model. With light blue printer paper and Scotch Magic Tape, I was able to conceptualize the general shape and form of the Rec-Stop.
3. As I mentioned earlier, the accessibility of the design was crucial. So during my 3D modeling process, I made sure to draw arrows as to brainstorm the possible entryways for the design. In the end, I created two entryways, as to accommodate the pedestrians coming from the different directions on Billy Wolff. 

Early Modeling And Sketches Conclusion:

1. These early models helped me on my path to creating the Rec-Stop. The brainstorming process I went through during this stage guided the concept's design and helped determine the finished product.

1. Throughout my thinking process, my next goal was to make it buildable. The intention for the Rec-Stop is that most of it would be constructed off site, and trucked to the site, then fixed to the concrete slab, using a material handler (ex: Lull cane) for the larger pieces. This method would allow an easy production process, and allow the design to be trucked to sites around Lincoln or even the country.
2. For the curved walls on the northwest and southeast sides, a framing track will be used as a sole plate to achieve the desired shape. The framing track itself will be fastened to the concrete by using a HammerShot 0.02 caliber shot tool. From there, 4x4 green treated studs will be screwed to the framing track. For more weather resistance, aluminum will be wrapped around the 4x4s similar to how a facia would be wrapped. Another set of framing tracks will hold the 4x4s in place at the top, which will attach the studs to the roof platform by screws.
3. Using wooden arch techniques, a carpenter can assemble the organic-shaped Southwest-facing wall. The finished product will include composite panels for weatherproofing, the framing track and the caliber shot tool, similar to the northwest and southeast walls.
4. Just as the other walls were constructed, the solid northeast facing wall will be a frame wall covered with composite panels for weatherproofing, and attached to the concrete with the same framing tracks and caliber shot tool.
5. The roof is constructed as a typical deck would be, with 2x8 frames, 5/8 sheathing for insulation and a galvanized steel finish. The joists are reinforced with bridging that is nailed in to strengthen the roof.
6. There will be a water fountain behind the southeast wall, which will hook up to the city water system underneath the street immediately to the south.I also put five bike racks to accommodate the many bikers that frequent Billy Wolff.

Buildability Conclusion:

1. This step was vital in my design process of the Rec-Stop. An idea that is not feasible in reality is pointless. Because of this, it was imperative that I found a way so that my design could be constructed.

1. After using Autodesk Revit 2025 to construct the site and design, I was able to create elevations of the Rec-Stop. Elevations include the Southwest, Southeast, Northwest and Northeast sides.

1. Using Autodesk Revit 2025's render feature, I was able to put the Rec-Stop onto pictures I took on Billy Wolff.

1. After all of my steps in the design process, I was certain that this design would be the final as it was aesthetically pleasing and convenient. With this certainty, I created a 3D model to further along the design process.
2. Following the creation of the topography and Rec-Stop in Autodesk Revit 2025, I was able to put the STL file in MakerBot Print. Utilizing a Method X 3D Printer, I was able to create a 3D model of the Rec-Stop and the surrounding topography.

Late Modeling Conclusion:

1. During this step, I was able to finalize my design into something more physical than my early modeling stage. This was helpful because it put the topography and design into perspective.

This project was a great opportunity for me to expand my perspective in the CAD world. Throughout the process, I was challenged to find a way how to make a structure feasible and buildable. This forced me to think outside of the box and create a structure that was not only attractive to its users but also for its builders. As someone who enjoys modern architecture, I was moved to find another engaging architectural style that would fit the purpose and with the landscape.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my process and project for the Rec-Stop.