intakes/outtakes
reclaiming forgotten space along austin’s waterfont
One of Austin’s most iconic structures, the Seaholm Intake facility once served to supply power to the city’s grids. Its former program in tandem with its central location connect the building to land and water both physically and historically. The proposal for Seaholm Intake bridges these two worlds (land and water) acting as an interstitial vessel, a ship in the landscape.
The original structure, once hidden from the street, is now made visible to those passing along by adding a large 30’-0” tall pillar near the street. This sail, while not occupiable, provides visitors a visual landmark to locate themselves, acts as an icon for Austin’s Seaholm District, and provides a backdrop for photos. A large portion of the site is excavated to create an entry sequence on the first floor of Seaholm Intake which was once only accessible from the water’s edge. The earth is sculpted to form the hold -- outdoor terraces which tier down to the building’s existing structure. This space is shaded from the south by the structure’s existing mass and acts as an amphitheater open to the public.
Seaholm Intake’s original structure is maintained and expressed while inserting programmatic elements throughout. Spiral staircases and grated floors are reminiscent of nautical architecture. A mezzanine level, the crow’s nest, is added which houses the parasitic crystalline cinemas. The cinemas protrude from Seaholm’s austere structure to create visual interest and draw occupants in. The intervention creates a new realm for occupants to view film and engage space in all dimensions.
The original structure, once hidden from the street, is now made visible to those passing along by adding a large 30’-0” tall pillar near the street. This sail, while not occupiable, provides visitors a visual landmark to locate themselves, acts as an icon for Austin’s Seaholm District, and provides a backdrop for photos. A large portion of the site is excavated to create an entry sequence on the first floor of Seaholm Intake which was once only accessible from the water’s edge. The earth is sculpted to form the hold -- outdoor terraces which tier down to the building’s existing structure. This space is shaded from the south by the structure’s existing mass and acts as an amphitheater open to the public.
Seaholm Intake’s original structure is maintained and expressed while inserting programmatic elements throughout. Spiral staircases and grated floors are reminiscent of nautical architecture. A mezzanine level, the crow’s nest, is added which houses the parasitic crystalline cinemas. The cinemas protrude from Seaholm’s austere structure to create visual interest and draw occupants in. The intervention creates a new realm for occupants to view film and engage space in all dimensions.
project information
location: austin, texas
date: 2019
type: research, adaptive reuse, movie theatre, performance space
credits
project team: jacob t. middleton
location: austin, texas
date: 2019
type: research, adaptive reuse, movie theatre, performance space
credits
project team: jacob t. middleton
existing site condition; the seaholm intake facility exists as an usued space along austin’s waterfront in one of her most popular downtown neighborhoods.
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the seaholm intake facility acts as a transitional buffer between cesar chavez boulevard and town lake. by carving out a large public plaza, this gesture is amplified and public space is fostered.![]()
crystalline theatre spaces float overhead in the building’s lobby.
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