Seminar 2: Research Post

My research site is: Grand central. When I made observations about this location, I was standing in this exact location: 768 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, New York City .

Ten questions I have about this site (must begin with “why” and “how”):

1. Why was it built?
2. Why is it landmark in NYC?
3. Why is it meaningful?
4. How was the main architectural style designed?
5. How is it used for movies?
6. Why do people love this station?
7. Why is Grand Central symbol of Midtown?
8. Why was it built near Time square?
9. Why are there lots of stores in Grand central?
10. Why does it look like an european style?

Three of the above questions that could be my main central research question:
1.Why do people love this station?
2.How is it used for movies?
3.How was the main architectural style designed?

Main question: Why does Grand Central have the design and layout that it has?

First Draft Thesis:
Grand central is important and popular for New Yorker, because of various reasons (functions of it）.

Revision Thesis statement: Grand central’s design makes it convenient for travelers, and architectural style is unique and attracts people to visit.

Psychological Map of my Location

Annotated Bibliography:

1)This book helps me to understand grand central history about railroads, engineering and architecture.
Schlichting, Kurt C.. Grand Central Terminal : Railroads, Engineering, and Architecture in New York City. Baltimore, US: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2003. Accessed June 6, 2016. ProQuest ebrary.

2)This article mention the transformation of Grand Central.

Muschamp, Herbert. “Grand Central as a Hearth in the Heart of the City.” New York Times (1923-Current file) Feb 04 1996: 1. ProQuest. 6 June 2016 .

3) 
Ouroussoff, Nicolai. “ARCHITECTURE; COMMENTARY; the Grand in Central is Leaving the Station; in the Name of Revitalization (a.k.a. Retail), the Consumer Dollar Threatens the Commuter Vision at the New York Midtown Landmark.” Los Angeles Times Apr 06 1997: 6. ProQuest. 6 June 2016 .

4) It admires the architecture of Grand Central Terminal.
“Getting Ready for a Face Lift at Grand Central.” New York Times Feb 16 1996, Late Edition (East Coast) ed. ProQuest. 6 June 2016 .

5) I can know some exhibitions at Grand central.
“Art and Architecture Exhibit Will Open at Grand Central Palace Tomorrow.” New York Times (1923-Current file) Apr 19 1925: 1. ProQuest. 6 June 2016 .

6) Design at Grand central:
Smith, James. “Grand Central Centennial Design Ideas.” The Epoch Times Oct 26 2012, New York ed. ed.: 1. ProQuest. 6 June 2016 .

Outline:

Introduction:
Hook: RAILROADS REMAKE NEW YORK
Thesis statement: Grand central’s design makes it convenient for travelers, and architectural style is unique and attracts people to visit.

Main idea 1: Layout
The layout of grand central makes it convenient for travelers enjoying both delicious food and special stores.
a) Besides train platforms, Grand Central contains a food hall on the level below the main concourse.
b) There are 67 retail shops at Grand Central Terminal, from brand-name stores to supermarkets.

Main idea 2: architect
The history of constructing Grand Central is colorful.
a) Some people make contribution to Grand Central.
b) The development of Grand central.

Main idea 3: analysis of design at Grand central
a) The glorious blue-green, concave ceiling of the Grand Concourse visualizes the sky as it would look from the celestial sphere.
b）The Main Concourse is the center of Grand Central， the four-faced clock on top of the information booths is the center of the Main Concourse

Main idea 4: Evidences are proved that Grand Central attracts people to visit.
Grand Central is attractive.
a) There are ample global tourists that visit Grand Central every day.
b) Grand Central is landmark in NYC

Conclusion.
research paper
Artist statement:
I create a series of earrings made by gold metal and dry “grass”.
My inspiration comes from the four-faced clock on top of the information booths at the center of the Main Concourse. I used some triangles and rectangles to express the architecture at Grand Central. The main materials I uses are metal and wire, which are glued by a glue gun.
My design has been influenced by the performance from Nick Cave. He designed 20 different “horse” at Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt HallI. I chose the similar material, Dry “grass” that is related to the material of horses’ hair.
I focus on making accessories with great detail and quality at an affordable price. My audience is young women, who want to wear earrings showing their personalities. My earrings are the key for styling and just as important as clothing.