Vertical Constructions Griffis Sculpture Park, East Otto Building Design NY, Architect, Images

Vertical Constructions, East Otto, NY : Griffis Sculpture Park

Griffis Sculpture Park design by Material Culture Graduate Research Group, New York, USA

May 17, 2011

Griffis Sculpture Park, East Otto, NY

Vertical Constructions

Griffis Sculpture Park Design – Vertical Constructions

Vertical Constructions is a graduate studio in the Material Culture Graduate Research Group that explores the design and construction of vertical structures.

It concentrates on 3 primary objectives: 1) on the differences between stereotomic (mass) and tectonic (stick) construction systems and the processes involved in their successful design and construction; 2) on the theoretical ideas of these materials and their constructed assemblies and the spaces they generate (including Kenneth Frampton’s cosmological interpretation of Gottfried Semper’s “Four Elements of Architecture” which relates stereotomic mass with the earth and tectonic assemblies with the sky, as well as Gaston Bachlard’s phenomenological understanding of the spaces of the cellar and attic, the lower associated with darkness and fear and the upper with lightness and comfort); and 3) planning and performing the work necessary in the construction of each material and its construction type.

The students were asked to explore vertical constructions at three different scales: Project 1: a 5’-7’ vertical stereotomic/tectonic construction (at any scale); Project 2: an 80’ viewing tower design w/minimum residential requirements on the cliffs overlooking Lake Erie; Project 3: 4 approximately 16’ – 20’ towers to be designed and constructed at the Griffis Sculpture Park, East Otto, NY.

More Information on Vertical Constructions:

Faculty: Jean La Marche
Assisting Faculty: Chris Romano, Matthew Dates, Peter Grace

Graduate Students: Allison Adderley, Andrew Casselman, Pat Connolly, Troels Frandsen, Robert Garlow, Jorn Lambertsen, Ahoo Malekafzaliardakan, Sandeep Nagpal, Andrew Perkins, Amanda Speranza, Richard Stora, and Joe Wassell

Griffis Sculpture Park
6902 Mill Valley Road
East Otto, NY 14729

Directions to Griffis Sculpture Park:
From the North (Buffalo, Rochester, and Toronto)
• US 90 (NYS Thruway) to exit 55 – Route 219.
• Route 219 South to end (approx 24.5 miles).
• LEFT 0.2 miles then RIGHT onto continuation of 219 South.
• Approx. 8 miles on 219 to Ashford Hollow (speed limit 45).
• RIGHT onto Ahrens Road (Carsons Ashford House and Park sign on corner).
• Stay straight Approx. 2.7 miles to County Road 75 (Mill Valley Rd.).
• Turn LEFT and go 1.5 miles to Park entrance (on left).

From the South (Ellicottville, Pennsylvania)
• Take 219 North to Ashford Hollow (speed limit 45).
• LEFT onto Ahrens Road (Carsons Ashford House and Park signs on corner).
• Stay straight Approx. 2.7 miles to County Road 75 (Mill Valley Rd.)
• Turn LEFT and go 1.5 miles to Park entrance (on left).

Vertical Constructions – Griffis Sculpture Park Design images / information from UB School of Architecture & Planning

Location: Griffis Sculpture Park, East Otto, NY, United States of America