CHRISTINE B. VIÑA
VIA Metropolitan Transit
SAY IT LOUD - TEXAS Exhibitor
Texas Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired by visionary people who are passionate about making the most of every day, to move a city forward. My inspirational mentors are those who understand multi-disciplinary and equitable approaches to the design of urban spaces.
CHRISTINE B. VIÑA
Bio:
The great desinger, Urban Design Manager with VIA Metropolitan Transit, I focus on capital projects, the Art in Transit program, Transit Oriented Development, and examining the nexus between transportation and land use. My career has allowed me the opportunity to work for municipal Planning Departments, serve as an Urban Main Street Manager, and spend my formative life working for architects, interior designers, and leading the AIAS student organization in Washington DC - the hometown of my heart.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I first learned about architecture as a young child, when my father explained why building an elevated freeway in front of a historic train station was a bad idea. I'm always aware of my environment, and understand how people relate to space/place.
What do you do?
I serve as the Urban Design Project Manager for a transit agency, so I interface with architects, planners, and artists, to build capital projects that reflect community, history and placemaking, and offer sustainable options for transportation.
What excites you in the work you do?
I enjoy working with design professionals who understand the complexities of transit architecture, and with community citizens who believe in grassroots advocacy, and are willing to learn and explore the important role of public transit.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired by visionary people who are passionate about making the most of every day, to move a city forward. My inspirational mentors are those who understand multi-disciplinary and equitable approaches to the design of urban spaces.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
I still have a lot to achieve but I've been proud to serve large in many small arenas. I'm proud to have helped save small structures from the wrecking ball, and assisted community residents and business owners in navigating the development process.
Featured Project Name:
Art in Transit - SW Bus Corridors
Featured Project Location:
San Antonio, TX
Featured Project Completion Date:
2019
Role in Featured Project:
Creator/Manager
Featured Project Description:
A transit agency sponsored art contest that was open to artists of all levels of expertise, transformed sets of 8"x10" submitted images into 4'x5' stainless steel windscreen elements in a 'papel picado' style, enhancing the shelter environment at forty-seven local bus stops. The required design intent descriptions for each image set provided heartfelt stories for the messaging behind each submission, and relevance to the bus stop location.
