TOPIC :: Seattle's "South of Downtown" District, SoDo, is currently facing profound challenges. The district is home to trade, distribution, manufacturing industries and port facilities. However, due to inexpensive rates, retailers such as Starbucks and artists have moved into the district. Thus, the industrial lands are under pressure to be converted to non-industrial uses, be they commercial, residential or cultural. This conversion would increase rents and land prices forcing industrial uses to leave the city taking with them family wage jobs. In addition, the construction of the light rail with its station at Lander Street adds to the potential of opening the district to other uses.

GOAL :: In this context, it is the studio's assignment to develop the typology of an "Industrial Incubator," a hybrid typology using its strategic connection to the SoDo transit hub (light rail, bus, car, bike) to link the areas of research / education, production, and distribution, (= knowledge creation and knowledge transfer). This incubator is to serve as SoDo's generator and stock exchange of ideas by enhancing (1) inspiration - the insights driving innovation, (2) ideation - the development of prototyping process, and (3) implementation - the marketing of the products. In addition, like the Seattle Public Library or the Olympic Sculpture Park, this incubator is to represent the district's identity.