Bridge 4 and 5
During the beginning process of figuring out what theme I wanted to focus on, I initially thought of climate change. This is because climate change has been one of the world’s most known issue. I researched on climate change that is slowly occurring in Battery Park. However, I realized this is not the idea I want to focus on for my bench. Therefore, I decided to emphasize on socializing and taking a break from social media or technology. Changing my location to Sheep’s Meadow in Central Park instead of Battery Park would fit better with my theme. Even though Sheep’s Meadow is located at the center of Central Park, I knew it would be the best location because it would attract people to visit. Focusing on socializing and relaxing at the park, I knew I needed to add another aspect other than the seating area. This is because the benches would not send the message of taking break from social media and technology. Accordingly, I decided to make it feel like a library outdoors by incorporating book baskets. These book baskets would blend in with the chairs not making it seem distracting to the main attraction. For the bench and the book basket, I knew I wanted my main material to be sustainable and environment friendly. Being part of an organization back home where we aim to support local artists who use sustainable products, I was inspired by this idea to be incorporated into my bench. Also, since I decided not to focus on climate change, I still wanted to incorporate something that was environment friendly in my design. Thus, I decided to use mycelium as my base and a waterproof biodegradable fabric. Mycelium is the vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a network of fine white filaments. Today, many organizations fight to use sustainable products to save the Earth and environment. And through this, I believe the material I chose is one of my strongest aspects. Although, there are many aspects in my project that I can improve in. The bench could have had a better design if I decided not to use mycelium as my main material and base. Possibly finding a better location or being able to discover new ideas to emphasize on the message of socializing at the park. This is because I want to give New Yorkers a chance to take break from the fast paced city.
My goal is to be able to give New Yorkers a chance to socialize while taking a break from social media and technology. I want to allow locals and maybe tourists to reconnect and focus on their goals. Also, I want locals to be able to recharge and relax because of New York being a fast paced city. Moving to New York City for college, I noticed how many universities are not provided with a proper campus. This made me want to provide an area where students are able to visit to either study, read, or relax. I decided to pick Sheep’s Meadow as my location because I want people to be able to see this seating area and visit. If it was located at a different part of Central Park or park, I believe it would not have as much of an impact. Furthermore, the design of Sheep’s Meadow is supposed to be peaceful and calming to look at, letting those who pass or go there to feel refreshed even just by looking. This lawn is the largest area in Central Park and its designated to be a quiet zone because sports, balls, or any gatherings are allowed. Additionally, this provides as a platform for social exchange because this space is supposed to provide a platform for socializing between one another.
