OURCRAFT
Abstract
Industrial-era transportation infrastructure not only bears witnesses to technological progress and urban development, but also carries collective memories and occupies central location in our urban fabric. Traditional urban renewal often tends to tear down and rebuild, but this approach ignores the inherent spatial value, cultural significance and potential contribution of buildings to community networks. As the original function of many such structures fades, they increasingly become physical and social barriers within the urban fabric, hindering interaction and cohesion between communities. Gamification integrates playful spatial elements and interactive experiences, attracting local residents for leisure and engagement. Gamification, broadly defined, is the application of game-like elements—such as interactivity, playfulness, and user engagement— into non-game contexts to encourage participation and connection. When applied to architecture, gamification transforms static spaces into dynamic environments where users actively interact with design elements, narratives, and each other. The revitalization of these abandoned buildings is not through demolition, but through the reactivation of their spatial and cultural values through gamification strategies. In this paper, gamification is divided into two strategies: design gamification, which manipulates architectural components through rotation, mirroring, bending, and stretching; content gamification, which incorporates the historical narrative of the site into participatory installations to stimulate exploration and reflection. Deconstructionism and gamification serve as catalysts to connect time, diverse communities, and the built environment. This thesis revitalizes the former Pawtucket and Central Falls train station through an “additive without subtractive” approach—preserving its original structure while introducing new layers of meaning and use. Using contrasting materials and colors, distinguish the new from the old while respecting the building’s historic language and enhancing its
visual identity. A diversified program supports cultural, educational, recreational, and commercial functions, transforming the station into a socially inclusive third place that fosters everyday engagement and intergenerational connection. The space is designed to accommodate users of all ages from the surrounding communities, allowing everyone to find an area that suits their needs. Upon entering, visitors experience a seamless connection between the past and the present, evoking memories and emotional resonance with the old structure. This approach allows the once-abandoned transportation hub to re-emerge as a bridge reconnecting people with each other and with the city through a renewed everyday presence.