After months of busy schedules, the office was finally able to squeeze in some sketch time, taking a quick trip to Union Station (but this time tackling the interior). On this particular Sketch Day SK2 had a special participant, our summer intern!
Nethania, who came to us via The Colorado “I Have a Dream” Foundation, had just started venturing into the world of architecture when the office was eager to introduce her to the field by having a Sketch Day! Be on the lookout for another blog post all about Nethania!
The SK2 team had many exciting and inspiring elements to sketch within the grand interior of the renovated transportation hub. In fact, the well-appointed architectural features of the palatial space made an appearance in our drawings:
The Windows
One of the attributes of Union Station’s interior is the large, bright open space within the Great Hall. The space’s openness is primarily due to the many “multi-story arched windows and bays” casting light into the room. (Source.) Thus, it’s no wonder why the Beaux-Art style windows were a main focus for many of our sketches. Some of us even had similar ideas of sketching what was outside the windows, as the composition so perfectly framed the city outside.
The Lights
Much like the grandiose windows that play a big part in the interior environment of the Great Hall, the light fixtures also add decorative elements to “Denver’s Living Room.” From wall scones, to pendants and chandeliers, the station (and our sketchbooks) is/are scattered throughout with a variety of lighting elements.
The large chandeliers, a major focal point of the interior of Union Station, were a big part of the renovation. The original building once had three chandeliers that were replace with dull fluorescent panels sometime before the renovation. The new design included the re-establishment of chandeliers similar to the originals in order to bring back the fundamental characteristics of the historic building. (Source.)
Some not so historic elements but still important benefactors in the disposition of “Denver’s Living Room,” and also drawing inspirations were the shops, people and potted plants that bring vibrant life to the significant space.
The Shops
The Great Hall of Union Station is home to many diverse shops, restaurants, and cafés. The pulsating energy the program brings to the space is demonstrated in the sketches.
The People
The purpose of the renovation of Union Station was to bring together the people of the city through one central transportation hub, making it no stranger to the different faces that pass through its doors. SK2 teammates captured some of the faces in their drawings.
The Plants
Strategically placed within the shops, the people, and the movement are various organic still-life that caught the attention of many sketchers. Though just a small element within the Great Hall, the potted plants make a big impact on the personality of the historic Union Station.
