The Art of Habitat
1ST YEAR GRADUATE ARCHITECTURE
PROFESSOR: FRANCES HSU
FALL 2023 // IN-PERSON STUDIO
The proposal for this site is to create an insectarium. This serves as both sanctuary space and educational center by creating interactive and immersive insect environments. The concept involves mimicking natural landscapes by exploring uneven floor conditions and multiple levels of vertical gardens. The plant life would be a direct extension of the Highline’s existing planting scheme, but without the separation between nature and person. The landscapes created in the insectarium also serve as relaxation space for visitors to experience without the expectation of participating in capitalism. Overall, this potential education center and sanctuary can serve many purposes for people and animals alike. People may become more aware of why insects are integral to maintaining plant life, while insects may have a safe space to exist without the threat of any kind of harm.
Sketches and Space Delineation
There are four main types of insects exhibited on the Highline: lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), hymenoptera (bees and wasps), diptera (true flies), and coleoptera (beetles). Each group would get its own floor habitat that would display relevant art. Collaboration spaces would allow artists and scientists to learn from each other and progress their respective fields.
Original Floor Breakdown Sketch
Floor Usage Breakdown Diagram
Habitat and Window Operation Sketch
Section Axonometrics
Sun Diagram
Circulation Diagram
Aerial Perspective
Floor Plans
Conduction Maps
Longitudinal Section
Transverse Section
Ribbon Structure Sketch
25th Street Perspective