Concepts for 'Epoch'

For my research project, I wanted to conceptualize areas for my story 'Epoch'. To accomplish this I took a trip to The Oculus shopping and transportation center and the surrounding areas of the World Trade Center.

Hover over the image to see the effect.

To accomplish my task I went to the Oculus and took many photos to understand the layout and design elements. I framed the shots as if they were establishing shots in a storyboard or layout draft.

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1. The Shopping Center

Initial Sketch

This is my favorite part of the process. I'm big on sketching in public and enjoy finding new ways to convey ideas through drawing. It's mostly just expressive with the technical skills coming in later. a lot of fun.

Inspiration

I really liked the large arc that forms the spine of the dove. In relation to the original design I sought out an architectural equivalent to the arc, I found it in the Sacred Heart Cathedral of Kericho, Kenya designed by John McAslan.

The same design used for the spine is incorporated through the structure, Primarily further underground leading to the Path trains.

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2. The Shopping Center at Dusk

I wanted to get the opposite view of the same area to give a 360 view of the space. Instead of a wall, I wanted to open the space with a veranda to give the idea of the larger city in view. I also considered draping cloth across the lanes to add some color to the scene

Initial Sketch

I really like how wide and open this one got. This feels more successful than the first sketch as i was more comfortable with what I was looking for in the work.

Outside Inspiration

The arches again. I felt much more successful with this one.

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3. Lower Shopping Area

The lower section of the Oculus is art galleries and other stores. For this I wanted to incorporate the arches of the hallway with the artwork in the tunnels in a more direct way.

Initial Sketch

I wasn't sure how to feel about this one as I didn't hit what I was looking for. All the same I wanted to push through to see where it would go. i took a lot of inspiration from Kamara Esmaili arches and in the coloring.

Outside Inspiration

The arches again. I felt more comfortable with the rules of the design now and was completely fascinated by the Kamara Esmaili. I hoped to keep the drawing rules at diplay here.

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Thanks for reading. To view my other work visit:

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