Gr(o)und: Workshop 2002

The site and subject of the workshop was Lower Manhattan in New York City. The underlying theme combined "ground” and the German word "Grund” referring to the foundation of ideas that give a rational structure to urban activity.
Over an intensive twelve-day period, the workshop explored the nature of the "Gr(o)und” consisting of pavements, sidewalks, streets, plazas and other street furniture regulating the flow of the street.
The workshop designed and constructed new tectonic elements with the aim of making changes in the "Gr(o)und” for a particular, brief period of time. The installation of these new elements in Lower Manhattan on a hot, busy day in mid-August is documented and analysed in this latest addition to the RIEAeuropa concepts series.

The site and subject of the workshop was Lower Manhattan in New York City. The underlying theme combined "ground” and the German word "Grund” referring to the foundation of ideas that give a rational structure to urban activity.
Over an intensive twelve-day period, the workshop explored the nature of the "Gr(o)und” consisting of pavements, sidewalks, streets, plazas and other street furniture regulating the flow of the street.
The workshop designed and constructed new tectonic elements with the aim of making changes in the "Gr(o)und” for a particular, brief period of time. The installation of these new elements in Lower Manhattan on a hot, busy day in mid-August is documented and analysed in this latest addition to the RIEAeuropa concepts series.

LEBBEUS WOODS, born in 1940, trained Architect, worked for Eero Saarinen (1964-1968). Theory and experimental projects since 1976. Founder and Scientific Director of the Research Institute of experimental Architecture, Europe (RIEA Europe). Has been a visiting Professor of Architecture at the Cooper Union, SCI-Arc, Harvard and Columbia Universities.
GUY LAFRANCHI, born in 1966, trained Architect (ETH Zürich). Recently he founded his own studio in Bern. Held lectures on his work at the Barlett School of Architecture, London and The Netherlands Architecture Institute (NAI), Rotterdam. Member of RIEA Europe.