The Welcome to Providence Diner occupies the site of the former Downcity Diner in downtown Providence, RI, which was destroyed in a fire in the Spring of 2006. As the birthplace of the American diner, Providence lost an icon of its identity when an overcooked brisket erupted into flames. The lot where the diner once stood has been vacant since.
During a weekend workshop with James Goggin/Practise, I imagined a revitalization of the empty lot. Using iconic diner imagery and local fare as inspiration, I created a set of signage to be installed on the site. The signage acts as a framework for the Welcome to Providence Diner and a beacon to outside visitors entering the city. Roving airstream trailers pull into the lot, activating the space. When the lot is vacant, the signs act as a memorial to the fallen diner.
I then created a set of postcards, a means of advertising for the diner and of providing a souvenir of one's visit to this icon of Providence.
