Topography: Evolution of Lower Manhattan

Site Model examining the evolution of Lower Manhattan: an artifact created during the site analysis stage of a project for Celia Liu's High Line studio at UWM (2003).  The layers of the model explore the superimposition of the rigid Manhattan street grid (represented by the white plastic eggcrate) over the topography of the island, pre-European settlement (white museum board).  Above the grid, I created another layer representing the subway system.  While still confined to the strictures of the grid, as most subway access points obviously correspond to heavily trafficked intersections, the subway lines reinstate more fluid and organic paths of movement over (or under, as it were) the rationalized grid.

Site Model: Overview

Site Model: Detail

Site Model: Details

Materials: Foam core and museum board base, plastic eggcrate louver, strap-ties, nuts, bolts, washers and reclaimed wires.

With a little more time, I might look into how other systems fit into the model (underground aquifers, sewage, etc.).  In the meantime, check out The Welikia Project (an extension of the Mannahatta Project) and a diagram of Manhattan's changing shoreline over the course of the past 400 years.

UPDATE: this map from 1880 is quite interesting.  It shows the street grid at the time with the original topography overlaid.

2008: Facade Study

Some models and drawings I did for a hotel project at work a couple of years ago...  These photos are of a model for one wing of the facade (each opening is one hotel room), obviously made with a laser cutter. In the third image you can see the assembly method.

1/16" Model for One Wing of Facade

Detail of 1/16" Model

2005: Parametric Screen Wall

Project designed and prototyped for Kyle Talbott's Advanced MicroStation course at UWM.  6" x 9".  Basswood and Powder-based 3D Print.

Model Front

2004: Elastic Fabrication

From Kyle Talbott's Microcosm Studio.  Elastic with Pine Frame.  7' x 3' x 6".  

Fabrication Detail

Fabrication Detail