OpRail design meeting | Photo by Richard Lovrich

Pilot Design Installation Concept | b6 Union Street Railpass | Image by Paula Rand

This concept will make the acoustic energy of trains visible. As a train approaches, passes, and recedes, the propagation of acoustic vibrations through the steel structure of the underpass will be translated into a visible dance of light. In addition to displaying energy of the present, “ghost trains” will pass by and visitors will experience the sound and visual energy of Schenectady’s past. Information about each train’s schedule, origin, destination, and cargo will also be made visible and/or audible to become experiential narratives in the space. We’re beginning with the Union Street underpass as a pilot location for site-specific data collection, design development and community engagement. This effort has initial support by The Schenectady Foundation our design partners and Operation Railbridge’s fiscal agent, Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation (DSIC).

Pilot Design Team:
Project Director – Kristin Diotte, Post-Design
Pilot Concept + Acoustics – Zackery Belanger, Arcgeometer
Lighting Design + Research – Kate Sweater Hickcox, DWAAL Design
Architectural Visualization – Paula Rand, Post-Design
Creative Direction, Photography – Richard Lovrich, Proctors
Science + Technology Studies – Dr. Brandon Costelloe-Kuehn, RPI
Community Engagement – Maria Diotte, Creative Connections
Media Production, Video – Patrick Harris Jr., Probity + Co.

MISSION

Underutilized railroad underpasses become sensual attractors that enhance the experience + mobility through the city, engaging designers, artisans + the public.

Project Overview PDF

Taking measurements on site, in the underpass | Photo by Patrick Harris Jr.