STUDIES OF THE WELLSTON LOOP
Design Processes I
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Our site in the Wellston Loop in North St. Louis, littered with trash, houses an abandoned bus terminal and old brick storefronts. Investigating the site through photographs, I learned the importance of capturing the design process. I traced a selected photograph to analyze the connection between mortar and brick. The resulting fissure evokes both strength and delicacy.
I designed a basswood model inspired by the trace by repeating and continually smoothing the dynamic fissure, ultimately creating a topographical model. The seemingly fragile yet dynamic fissure in my basswood piece was then transformed into a strong modular work with spinal properties. This portable topography was meant to be part of an extended walkway with my classmates’ pieces. An overhead plan and sections illustrate the portable topography’s complexity.