Union Station has long been a symbol of connectivity, bringing people and goods in and out of Indianapolis in an organized fashion. The elevated tracks once allowed the city to continue moving smoothly, but the pedestrian experience was secondary to the rail system’s function. Today, as the city prioritizes walkability and inviting urban spaces, Ribbon Rail serves to reimagine this historic site with human-scale design and visual impact.

Inspired by the fluid motion of trains and the interchanges of railway tracks, the installation captures the energy of transit while embracing modern urban life. The form twists and intertwines, creating a series of dynamic overlapping shapes that echo the movement of people through the space. Visitors are invited to apply their own interpretations, as the project’s abstract form allows for flexible perspectives. To enhance the visual effect, integrated LED lighting traces the artwork’s lines, adding vibrancy and guiding pedestrians along the path.

Ribbon Rail spans the underpass, connecting the Near Southside with downtown, symbolizing the station’s role as a connection point between the city and the rest of the country. The twisting forms represent intersections at multiple scales—between people, places, and time. As pedestrians move through the space, the artwork sparks conversation and social interaction, transforming the site into a junction of past, present, and future.

By utilizing minimal attachments and working within the existing structural rhythm of the bridge, the proposal ensures that the artwork integrates seamlessly with the historic site. From certain angles, the viewer can see the exposed steel structure of the original bridge, maintaining a link to the station’s history while adding layers of color and form to the space.