Student Work

Course Description

RAINER BEACH FOOD HALL

Students: Kristina Maier
Studio: ARCH 504 — Alicia Daniels Uhlig — Winter 2024
Location: Seattle, Washington

Project Description

The Rainier Beach Food Hall is imagined as both a welcoming gateway and a dynamic community hub for the Rainier Beach neighborhood. Located next to the Light Rail Station and Chief Sealth Trail, it offers residents and visitors a striking first impression while fostering economic opportunity, cultural expression, and everyday gathering. The project draws from the AIA’s Framework for Design Excellence, centering sustainability and urban livability as guiding principles.

Massing Diagram.

Built with cross laminated timber (CLT), the structure combines environmental responsibility with warmth and durability. Its double-height food court supports local vendors, providing an inviting place for neighbors and visitors to share a meal. A rooftop community garden and spaces for murals allow the community to contribute directly to the design, reinforcing a sense of ownership and pride. Beyond food, the project includes a professional commissary kitchen for food trucks and caterers, along with a teaching kitchen, classrooms, and meeting spaces that expand educational and entrepreneurial opportunities. Together, these elements create a vibrant, multi-use destination that strengthens connections across Rainier Beach while showcasing the power of design to serve both people and place.

Food Hall Render.

 

Images from RAINER BEACH FOOD HALL.