ALEXANDER T SULEK SELECTED WORK
MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN | TAUBMAN COLLEGE B.S. ARCHITECTURE | BUSINESS MINOR UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA - CHAMPAIGN SULEK@UMICH.EDU | 224-766-1116
C O N T E N T S 01 _ AFTER LIFE INSTITUTIONS | FALL 2019 INSTRUCTOR: STEVEN MANKOUCHE TAUBMAN COLLEGE | CONTACT: MANKOUCH@UMICH.EDU
02 _ ORDERLY CHAOS ARCH DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT | FALL 2018 INSTRUCTOR: BENJAMIN A. BROSS, Ph.D ILLINOIS SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE | CONTACT: BBROSS@ILLINOIS.EDU
03 _ iNTERSECTED iNTERFACE*
ARCH DESIGN IN THE CITY | SPRING 2018 INSTRUCTOR: T.F. TIERNEY, Ph.D ILLINOIS SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE | CONTACT: TIERNEY@ILLINOIS.EDU
04 _ AQUA MIRAGE ARCH DESIGN IN THE LANDSCAPE | FALL 2017 INSTRUCTOR: ERIK HEMINGWAY ILLINOIS SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE | CONTACT: EHEM@ILLINOIS.EDU
05 _ CALYX CROSSING ULI HINES STUDENT COMPETITON | SPRING 2020 FACULTY ADVISOR: LAN DENG, Ph.D TAUBMAN COLLEGE | CONTACT: LANDENG@UMICH.EDU
06 _ MGM GRAND | MINIMAL MAXIMAL REPRESENTATION | FALL 2019 INSTRUCTORS: MATISS GROSKAUFMANIS | PETER HALQUIST TAUBMAN COLLEGE | CONTACT: MGROSKAU@UMICH.EDU | HALQUIST@UMICH.EDU * Edward J Earl Prize - 3rd Place
01 _ AFTER LIFE
Instructor: Steven Mankouche | Taubman College Course: ARCH 552 _ Institutions _ Fall 2019 Date: 09-09-19 -- 12-17-19 Type: Individual Academic Work Location: Detroit, Michigan The United Artist Theatre is seeking city approval for demolition. The developer plans to turn this site into 39 surface parking spaces to meet the requirements for the residential conversion of the high rise office tower. The United Artist was designed by C Howard Crane in 1928 and functioned as a movie palace until it went abandoned in 1971. The Spanish Gothic Revival interior is appreciated by the Detroit community and strong opposition stands towards the demolition of the theater. ‘After Life’ is a proposal to mediate this opposition and create a space that pleases the developer and city desires. ‘After Life’ utilizes automated parking technologies and the typologies of The Opera to create a space that satisfies the community and the developer. This space functions as a parking structure and a theater. ‘Opera Boxes’ were designed to constraints of a parking spot on trays that slide into the standing structure to hold occupants for theatrical performance. When used as a parking structure, the automated system follows a series of highly autonomous steps to efficiently remove the opera boxes and park the car for the patron. Through the extended depth of the basement, this structure is able to house all the surface parking in the neighborhood. Therefore, keeping the revived theater, creating a strong revenue flow, opening up other parking lots for constructive proposals.
FLOOR 1
ALTITUDE: 0’-0”
INTERIOR ELEVATION
FLOOR 7
ALTITUDE: +57’-0”
NEWS HEADLINES OCTOBER 24, 2019
United Artists Building developer seeks tax abatements, plans to tear down theater -- Crain’s
OCTOBER 25, 2019
United Artists Building developer looks to demolish historic theater -- Curbed
OCTOBER 25, 2019
Ilitch-Backed Development Could Require Teardown Of United Artists Theatre -- Deadline Detroit
OCTOBER 28, 2019
HUD: Demolition not required of United Artists Theatre -- The Detroit News
OCTOBER 29, 2019
HUD denies recommending demolition of United Artists Theatre -- Curbed
SECTION [SOUTHWEST - NORTHEAST]
TRAY OPERATIONS
AUTOMOTIVE UNIT
THEATRICAL UNIT
SITE PLAN
DEMOLISHED THEATER
THEATRICAL OPERATIONS
AUTOMATED PARKING OPERATIONS
PARKING ABYSS
SECTION [NORTHWEST - SOUTHEAST]
ALL FLOOR PLATES LOWERED TO MAX DEPTH
PARKING PROCESS: 1 - DRIVE IN from backstage onto PARKING PLATE 2 - EXIT car [Entrance available to building] 3 - DIGITAL SCANNING system analyzes car for parking size 4 - PARKING PLATE pushed onto HYDRAULIC LIFT 5 - OPTIMIZER moves CATCH RAILS to hold position inside column 6 - CATCH RAILS maximize parking based on car height 7 - HYDRAULIC LIFT moves car to appropriate spot 8 - CATCH RAILS lock car in place at set height 9 - APP OPTION retrieves car to waiting area
PARKING SPACES: MINIMUM: 1270 spaces OPTIMIZED [MAX]: 1920 spaces OPERA BOXES [mezzanine]: 176 spaces GALLERY SPACES [upper balcony]: 36 spaces FLOOR SPACES [orchestra]: 22 spaces CAR WHEEL [backstage]: 112 spaces UNDERGROUND [pits]: 924 spaces
BASEMENT 1 ALTITUDE: - 12’-0”
BASEMENT 23 ALTITUDE: - 210’-0”
02 _ ORDERLY CHAOS Instructor: Benjamin A. Bross, Ph.D | Illinois School of Architecture Course: ARCH 475 _ Arch Design and Development _ Fall 2018 Date: 08-27-18 -- 12-12-18 Type: Individual Academic Work Location: Champaign, Illinois ‘Orderly Chaos’ is a Boutique Hotel located in Downtown Champaign. This seven-story structure challenges the traditional hotel by exploring the guest experience. When one stays at a chain-hotel, each room is standardized and generic to the hotel brand and budget. This results in every guest having the same, dull experience. ‘Orderly Chaos’ explores the idea of adventure and unique experiences to customize the stay for each guest that walks through the hotel’s doors. Each room is oriented towards a unique solar angle and/or view. The hallways follow the rigid geometry of the modular rooms. This creates unique exposures and discoveries while circulating the hotel. The atrium sparks different levels of activity for each guest. The expansion of each upper floor creates sectional overlap that connects and engages the guest who occupies the interior. All of these architectural considerations allows for an experience that is memorable and unique to every individual who stays at this Boutique Hotel.
The Structural Grid Set to Site Parameters
Traditional Hotel Layout Utilized to Maximize Cost
Shift For Unique Experiences and Sense of Adventure
Outset Upper Level to Create Expansive Form
Occupy Overlapping Slabs with Balcony Space
ST. AIN
LNU
E. M
N. W A
T ST .
N. W A
LNU
N. FR E
MON
T ST .
IN S
5
7 N. NEIL ST.
N. NEIL ST.
WEEKDAY MORNING WEEKDAY AFTERNOON WEEKDAY EVENING WEEKEND MORNING WEEKEND AFTERNOON WEEKEND EVENING
6
W. CHURCH ST.
4
W. HILL ST.
W. WASHINGTON ST.
1
W. PARK AVE.
N. NEIL ST.
W. COLUMBIA AVE.
SITE RESTAURANTS ENTERTAINMENT NIGHTLIFE SHOPPING BEAUTY + WELLNESS OFFICE SPACE RESIDENTIAL INSTITUTIONAL INDUSTRIAL SERVICES VACANT TOP 5 ATTRACTION OF DOWNTOWN CHAMPAIGN
8
T.
HICKORY ST.
T ST .
E. M A
These are successful places in Downtown Champaign. Each location offers either food, retail, and/or outdoor seating. These features where important to consider when connecting ‘Orderly Chaos’ to the sociological factors of Champaign. As a result of this research, the first floor is programmed to bring activity to the northern part of downtown.
N. WALNUT ST.
E. WASHINGTON ST.
1 - Sticky Rice, 2- Farren’s Pub, 3The Art Theater, 4 - Destihl, 5- Big Grove Tavern, 6 - Hyatt Place, 7 - Guido’s Bar and Grill 8 - Walnut Street
*DATA TAKEN BETWEEN 08.31.2018 - 09.09.2018
CRIME ACTIVITY ZONES 1 CIRCLE = 1 PERSON
3
ACTIVITY MAP
2 N. RANDOLPH ST.
N. RANDOLPH ST.
DOWNTOWN CHAMPAIGN
0
50 100
N
200
Conc. Piles, Caps and Containing Wall
Conc. Core W/ HVAC Chase
20’x20’ W8x76 Structural Grid
8” Poured-On-Site Concrete Slabs
Pre-Fab Enclosure Wall System
Window Installation + Pres. Building
Wood Paneling Installation
Interior Buildout + Hotel Signage
ELEVATION [WEST]
The interior of ‘Orderly Chaos’ follows an orthogonal core that houses the amenities for the boutique hotel. The amenity spaces start off highly active at the bottom with a bar, game room, and cafe. However, as the user ascends the structure, the public space becomes more passive, creating a more harmonious guest experience. Surrounding the amenity core are the guest rooms. Each room is standardized to the traditional hotel room layout. However, as the user proceeds up the hotel, the rooms expand outward allowing the atrium to open up. Additionally, the rooms angular shifts become more drastic. This allows for the circulation of the building to become more exploratory and unique as the user ascends the structure. Additionally, this allows for the exterior to provide solar shading as well as connectivity to the City of Champaign.
SECTION [EAST - WEST]
STANDARD HOTEL ROOM
EXPANSIVE ATRIUM
2”x6” Roofing Mullion
Hotel Sign on Wooden Louvers 2’-10” Gypsum Drop Ceiling Fan Coil Unit Supply/Return 2”x6” Metal Window Frame 3” Return Plenum Bathroom Exhaust PVC Oak Hardwood Flooring
4” Botton Track (Channel)
6” Cedar Enclosure 1/4” Air/Vapor Barrier
HSS 4x4x1/2 @ 7’-4” O.C. 5/8” Plywood Backing Central Air Supply Duct Double Pane Glass Batt Insulation In Channel 42” Railing W/ Glass Guardrail 1/2” Poured Concrete Finish Floor W6x25 W/ 1/2” Dia. Bolting Welded 1‘-0” Gypsum Drop Ceiling W8x76 W/ 7/8” Stiffening Plates 1’-0” Foundation Wall Alligned 2”x6” Bottom Mullion Track
HSS 9x9x5/8 W/ F.P. Paint
1’-1” x 1’-1” Bolting Plate (Welded) 3’-0” x 3’-0” Concrete Pile Cap Soil As Conditioned On Site
DETAILED WALL SECTION
HVAC DIAGRAM
Breaks the Grid
Passive Public Spaces
L7
Downtown Urbana Market Place Mall Farming Fields Cesar Pelli Solar Birthday Spalding Park Treescape N. Prospect St. Champaign Central High School Interstate 74 Stratton Elementary School Suburban Mansions Summer Solstice Sunset Suburban Champaign Winter Solstice Sunset
Little Dipper Constellation Gregory School July 9th (My Birthday) Sunset Summer Solstice Sunset Fall Equinox Sunset Max Abramovitz Solar Birthday Flight Path 2 Big Dipper Constellation North Neil St. UIUC Basketball Tip- Off Solar Location Randolph St. Class Instruction Ends Solar Location The Lodge on Hill
North Star
Follows the Grid
Active Public Spaces
Historic Cast-Iron Building State of Illinois Founding Sunset Nathan Ricker Solar Birthday Spring Equinox Sunset UIUC Founding Day Sunset Street Traffic
L1
Carle Foundation Hospital UIUC Founding Day Sunrise Memorial Stadium Foellinger Auditorium State Farm Center Central Illinois Trains North Suburban Champaign Campustown Jeanne Gang Solar Birthday Fighting Illini Kick-Off Solar Location South Neil St. Westside Park ISoA Founding Day Sunrise Historic Trainyards Winter Solstice Sunrise Carol Ross Barney Solar Birthday Hyatt Hotel Guidos Bar
Walnut St. Fall Equinox Sunrise Train Station ISoA Founding Day Sunset New Years Day Noon Completion of Illini Union Solar Location M2 Development Spring Equinox Sunrise Class Instruction Begins Solar Location Orphium Theater Flight Path 1 Henry Bacon Solar Birthday Champaign Plaza Views
KEY Solar Significant Room Orientation View Significant Room Orientation
VIEWS DIAGRAM
03 _ iNTERSECTED iNTERFACE Instructor: T.F. Tierney, Ph.D | Illinois School of Architecture Course: ARCH 374 _ Arch Design and the City _ Spring 2018 Edward J. Earl Prize - 3rd Place
Date: 02-16-18 -- 05-04-18 Type: Individual Academic Work Location: Chicago, Illinois [West Loop]
The role of a library, which in the past emphasized knowledge as materiality, has been transformed through the auspices of the Internet. Today, the notion of a library is rapidly expanding into a digital media and tools space. ‘Intersected Interfaces’ is designed for the growing technology of the 21st century. In the West Loop, young millennials are moving in to live closer to their jobs that consist of mainly technological functions. This Mediatheque understands the technological ambitions of Chicago’s top 25 tech companies and creates a resources center for individuals to learn and grow into beneficial roles in the technological industry. With creative intersections of pathways, overlapping/underlapping atrium space, open floor plans, and flexible room layouts, it is hopeful that people will meet each other and spark innovative ideas that will become important to our society. MOTOROLA COMPANY GROUPON MORNINGSTAR ECHO GLOBAL LOGISTICS
AD TECH
GUARANTEED RATE
BIG DATA
CAREERBUILDER GOOGLE
COMMUNICATION
ENOVA
DIGITAL MEDIA
GOGO HERE TECHNOLOGIES
eCOMMERCE
COYOTE LOGISTICS
ENTERPRISE WEB
SALESFORCE SAP
FINTECH
GRUBHUB
HEALTHTECH
PEAPOD EPSILON
MARKETING TECH
CARS.COM
REAL ESTATE
TRUNK CLUB CCC
SOFTWARE
UPTAKE
TRANSPORTATION
YELP RELATIVITY
TRAVEL
BSWIFT CONVERSANT UBER CHICAGO
IN
INTERACTION
OFFICE
INTERACT
COMMON SPACE
READING
ERACTION
ON
TECH INTERFACE INTER CTION TECH TECH COMMONTECH SPACE EXPLORATI O N ZONE EXHIBITON INTERCTIO
RT
DIGITAL S TATION CO M M ON S PAC E INFORMATION
SMA
MECHANICS
DATA STORAGE
INFORMATION
SPACE
CHECK OU T - RE T URN
LOG-IN -- ENTRANCE
STACKS
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ANALYTICS AUGMENTED REALITY AUTOMATION DIGITAL MEDIUMS FABRICATION HUMAN INTERACTION INTERFACE MEDICINE NANO-FACTORY ROBOTICS TRANSPORTATION
Proposed Interface
Sectional Void Exploration
3D Void Sequences With Overlapping Slabs
MODEL INTERIOR
THE PHYSICAL VOID
Expand Voids Throughout Building
Each program within this seven-story structure is a technological idea of the future. These programs are vertically connected through a series of complex atrium spaces that create an overlap and underlap of floor space. To stay economic with the square footage, all books and materials are stored in a deep basement that has an automatic book system deliver the material with drones. Having the large atrium space allows the drones to deliver the material to the requested user as needed. Additionally, information can be stored offsite to maximize the value of the property. Beyond the floor slabs and unique program of the structure, this Mediatheque is designed to promote engagement between users. The largest flaw of our technological society is the fact that people rather engage with their social media platform than engage with each other. Designing a library that is highly technological can easily amplify this problem. However, with creative intersections of pathways, open floor plans, and flexible furniture and room layouts, it is hopeful that people will meet and engage with each other to spark innovative ideas.
SECTION [EAST - WEST]
ELEVATION [SOUTH]
SECTION [SOUTH - NORTH]
28 - Office Space 29 - Private Research Space 30 - Classroom 31 - Classroom 32 - Greenscape 33 - Roof Deck
13 - Computational Development 14 - Artificial Intelligence 15 - Workspace 16 - Robotics Room 17 - Augmented Reality Studio 18 - AR Lab 19 - The Digital Experience 20 - Cinema Studio 21 - Featured Tech Space 22 - Storage 23 - New Fabrication Equipment 24 - Robotic Art + CNC Machine 25 - Fab Lab 26 - Featured Work Gallery 27 - Independent Research
1 - Mechanical Room 2 - Data Room 3 - Stacks 4 - Smart Space 5 - Drone Shoot 6 - Information Desk 7 - Interface Lounge 8 - Cafe 9 - Study Pod 10 - Tech Incubator 11 - Lecture Hall 12 - Networking Space
Drone Circulation Human Circulation
CIRCULATION DIAGRAM
03 _ P2 _ THE INTERFACE Instructor: T.F. Tierney, Ph.D | Illinois School of Architecture Course: ARCH 374 _ Arch Design and the City _ Spring 2018
The noted Harvard theorist, Michael Hays, argues that the most important issue in contemporary architecture is the production of effects. ‘The Interface’ is a facade exploration that is reflective of my technological concept. The acrylic web design is an abstract representation of the internet and the connectivity amongst all sources within the world wide web. The vacuum formed underlay is a solidified bubble form. These bubbles reflect how the internet is always changing and adapting to the conditions of a particular moment in time (like bubbles in any medium they are formed in). These convex and concave “bubbles” process light in a unique matter. When this aesthetic is applied to the Mediatheque, it satisfies a unique effect and user experience.
04 _ AQUA MIRAGE Instructor: Erik Hemingway | Illinois School of Architecture Course: ARCH 373 _ Arch Design and the Landscape _ Fall 2017
Date: 10-20-17 -- 12-05-17 Type: Individual Academic Work Location: Urbana, Illinois
‘Aqua Mirage’ is an interpretive center located within the Arboretum of the University of Illinois. This project explores the idea of transitional spaces in architecture. The interior program is a flexible public space that can function as an indoor art gallery or lecture room. This same space can quickly transition into open, outdoor pavilion that can be used to explore and engage with the natural environment. On top of the programmatic consideration, ‘Aqua Mirage’ also utilizes curves and glass to seamlessly connect the built and unbuilt environments. The curves follow the contours of the site to maintain natural connectivity and transition. Additionally, the contours were carefully followed to leave little interruption to the existing site conditions (ex: Birch trees, waterline). With these design considerations, ‘Aqua Mirage’ create a transitional experience for any program that this interpretive center host.
INTERIOR GALLERY
TRANSITIONAL PAVILION
SECTION [EAST - WEST]
1. Men’s Restroom 2. Women’s Restroom 3. Staff Office 4. Multipurpose Gallery 5. Gallery Storage 6. General Facility Storage 7. Mechanical Room 8. Custodian Closet
ELEVATION [SOUTH]
EXTERIOR [WINTER CONDITION]
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
GREEN ROOF – Creates a low environmental impact for the structure and the nearby pond WOOD PLANK ROOFING – Allows the structure to visually connect with the environment by creating a seamless transition of indoor/outdoor space MECHANICAL WINDOWS – The operable windows allows the structure to physically connect with the natural environment THE CENTRAL TREE – The building is constructed around an aged birch tree that acts as the center of axis for the entire structure PROJECTING VIEWS – The outward projecting views greatly chang based on the sector the structure the user inhabits DECK SPACE – Portions of the exterior walls were strategically offset inward to create outdoor space within a controlled environment THE RAILING – Designed to become unnoticed amongst the structure. This allows the transition between environments to become unnoticed
05 _ CALYX CROSSING ULI Hines Student Competition 2020
Architecture Collaboration: Christopher Prinsen | Alexander Sulek Business Collaboration: Andrew Darvin | Dane Reinhart
Date: 01-13-20 -- 01-27-20 Type: Team Competition Work Location: Miami, Florida
Calyx Crossing works within the surrounding neighborhood context to foster locality, inclusiveness, culture, art, and sustainable mindfulness. To achieve this, the development proposes an elevated Tri-Rail station to establish the foundation for a walkable, thriving community that fuses the bordering neighborhoods together. The ambitions to elevated the rail was intended to create a fully walkable street without the dangers of ‘grade crossing’. Through the center of the development, a pedestrian street, named ‘Restaurant Row’, retains the existing tenants in new storefronts that surround a linear water feature. This water feature is placed to keep the streetscape cool through evaporative cooling while also acting as a retention feature when heavy storms hit. This is meant to lower the runoff impact on the existing city infrastructure and create a space that is responsive to the changing climatic conditions. Sensitivity to current cultural socioeconomic context amid opportunities for growth and a more sustainable and resilient way of life helps maintain Calyx Crossing’s artistic character while enabling all of its residents to bud, blossom, and bloom.
PHASE I - BUD
Florida International Research Annex
31 Northeast 28th Street
Sable Palm Hotel
85 Northeat 27th Street
Edgewood Community Center
RETAIL: 8,878 SF OFFICE: 324,306 SF
RETAIL: 14,912 SF GYM: 48,993 SF OFFICE: 328,039 SF
RETAIL: 6,185 SF PARKING: 110,032 SF HOTEL: 99,991 SF ROOFTOP BAR: 15,313 SF
RETAIL: 21,881 SF OFFICE: 101,593 SF
RETAIL: 13,041 SF COMMUNITY CENTER: 64,203 SF RESIDENTIAL: 184,777 SF
The Azalia - Residential Complex
The Chickasaw - Residential Complex
The Myrtle - Residential Complex
Passion Gallery | Parking | Office
The Hydrangea - Residential Complex
RETAIL: 26,23 6 SF RESIDENTIAL: 125,371 SF
RETAIL: 3,357 SF RESIDENTIAL: 166,309 SF
RETAIL: 21,006 SF RESIDENTIAL: 238,061 SF
GALLERY: 19,240 SF PARKING: 103,556 SF STUDIO: 57,720 SF OFFICE: 306,108 SF
RETAIL: 34,073 SF RESIDENTIAL: 654,863 SF
PHASE II - BLOSSOM BUILDING PROGRAM UNLEVERED IRR: 7% LEVERED IRR: 32%
51,464,332
END OF YEAR 10 VALUE: $1,116,649,818
PHASE III - BLOOM
SECTION A-A
DEBT EQUITY PUBLIC SUBSIDIES Sources and Uses
Amount LTC
Equity Sources Private Equity Developer Equity
83,118,172 50,124,545
9% 5%
554,121,147 184,707,049
60% 20%
46,798,212 4,666,120
5% 1%
Debt Financing Sources
Total Units Affordable Housing Market Housing Hotel Parking
133,242,717
300 1108 195 647
Senior Loan Mezzanine Debt Public Subsidies
738,828,196
Low-Income Housing Tax Credits Miami Forever Bond
WATER RECLAMATION
SOLAR SETBACKS
CRISIS RELIEF RESIDENCIES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Florida International Research Annex 31 NE 28th St. - Gym | Innovative Office Sable Palm Hotel | Parking | Rooftop Bar Bus | Uber/Lyft Terminal The Chickasaw - Residential Complex The Azalia - Residential Complex 85 NE 27th St. - Innovative Office Calyx Tri-Rail Station Calyx Park Edgewood Community Center The Magnolia - Residential Complex Smith Soccer Fields RESTAURANT ROW Calyx Plaza The Myrtle - Residential Complex Latin American Art Museum Passion Gallery | Parking | Office The Hydrangea - Residential Complex Lily Park Sunflower Cafe Scarlet Amphitheater
11
4
3
2
5
6
7
A
8
9
10 11
13 14 15
16
20 19 21
17
18
12
A
06 _ MGM GRAND Instructor: Matiss Groskaufmanis [right] Course: ARCH 516 _ Representation _ Fall 2019
Date: 09-03-19 -- 12-11-19 Type: Individual Academic Work Location: NA
Cybernetic mapping revealing the psychological design intentions of the MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas, NV Casinos use bright colors, such as orange + red, to increase adrenaline so the patron gambles more. The perception of time is abolished within the space simulating the feeling of early evening at all times of the day. Positive scents from restaurants, perfumes, and plants increase gambling desires. Table games are placed in the center to create a loud, active core of gambling to draw more people to the casino. Visibility over slot machines is just enough to promote exploration around the maze layout of table games and slot machines. Gambling is a contagious illusion of control exposed architecturally through the following cybernetic mapping:
MINIMAL MAXIMAL Instructor: Peter Halquist [below] Course: ARCH 516 _ Representation _ Fall 2019 Minimal Maximal began with the physical restaging of Es Delvin’s Lady Gaga Stage Set (2009). Through this process, we reinterpreted the spatial, compositional, and material sensibilities of the original image. The photographic qualities we continued to utilize from this image included forced perspective, ephemeral surfaces, and continuous reflectivity. With these qualities, we began to explore the ideas of ‘infinity’ and the different effects ‘infinity’ can produce. This exploration led to the production of an infinity mirror that contains the similar spatial qualities of force perspective from Es Delvin’s stage set design. Through various camera experiments, our project was able to capture the dynamic movement of ephemeral objects and the effects they produce through the ‘infinity’ process. After compiling a series of dynamic photographs, we were able to unroll them into a corridor-like image that conflated compelling effects that provide a distinguished tone for the viewer.
ES DEVLIN, LADY GAGA STAGE SET [2009]
MINIMAL MAXIMAL
PHYSICAL RESTAGING [PHOTOGRAPHIC EFFECTS]
SULEK@UMICH.EDU | 224-766-1116