SITU Fabrication | Select Works 2023 by SITU

Select Works SITU Fabrication

Shop Brooklyn Navy Yard, 63 Flushing Ave Bldg 132, Brooklyn, NY 11205 (718) 855-2170 main Office Brooklyn Navy Yard, 141 Flushing Ave Bldg 77, Suite 508, Brooklyn, NY 11205 (718) 237-5795 main fabrication@situ.nyc www.situ.nyc/fabrication

SITU Fabrication specializes in the engineering and construction of experimental and technically demanding projects.

Our staff represents a diverse background of art, architecture, design and technology—bringing a unique versatility to our practice that distinguishes us within the industry. From our 10,000 sq ft production facility in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, we provide comprehensive fabrication services to architects, developers, contractors, artists, agencies and other creative teams. Our expertise is built from the complexity and customization of each project in our portfolio, allowing us to work efficiently across a wide range of materials and techniques. In addition to our advanced production capabilities, we offer specialized engineering, design assist and other consulting services that enhance our clients’ designs and facilitate construction.

What we do: Design assist Engineering Estimating Fabrication & installation Project management Prototyping Research & development

Our Brooklyn Navy Yard facilities: 10,000 sq ft fabrication shop 4,000 sq ft design studio

Our approach is focused on developing close partnerships and inventive solutions that produce unprecedented results. We often enter projects during the early stages of the design process to identify ways to optimize efficiency, refine details, reduce costs and streamline the construction schedule. Leveraging our deep understanding of 3D modeling and parametric tools, we can supplement our clients’ digital skill sets to help them achieve their design intent. Since 2005, we have developed unique solutions for more than 100 firms and institutions and with each project our expertise grows, allowing us to delve freely into unfamiliar territory and tackle increasingly complex challenges.

Little Island Landscape Seating Client: Little Island Architects: Heatherwick Studio, Standard/ Architects Landscape Architect: MNLA Location: New York, NY Completion: 2021 Photography: Michael Grimm, Timothy Schenck, SITU

To complement this new riverside park’s distinctively organic architecture, SITU was brought on to design and fabricate custom seating integrated into the landscape design.

Our role was focused on three separate scope areas: stadium seating for the “Amph”, hand sculpted tiered seating at “The Glade” and custom benches along walking trails. Working closely with the design and landscape architects, our intent was to enrich the experience of these public spaces by introducing playfulness and warmth into the design. Our deep understanding of materiality and fabrication allowed us to create these inviting seating features with feasibility, comfort and durability in mind.

11 The “Amph” is central to those values with sustainably sourced black locust bench seating designed and built to host 700 visitors for live entertainment at the water’s edge. Because of the scale of the scope and particular safety restrictions, a balanced strategy was developed to simultaneously address comfort and code. Utilizing a hybrid of traditional steam bending and 5-axis CNC capabilities, our team was able to realize this sleek and visitor-friendly design.

Little Island Landscape Seating

For a smaller performance area, named “The Glade,” we created communal, tiered seating with a live-edge appearance. Made with hand-sculpted black locust wood, large seating members were selected for their natural weathering behavior to provide durability in a high traffic and moist outdoor environment. This area is intended for non-ticketed performances to create an easily accessible venue within the park.

13 Along trails throughout the park, custom benches provide intimate rest stops. Using hand tools we sculpted organic textures on the edges of each bench, enhancing the design’s naturalistic expression.

The seating features complement the visitor experience of Little Island by speaking to a passion for community and nature. Our fabrication capabilities allowed us to execute the architect’s unique vision for the park; building the furnishings so they can be enjoyed by the public far into the future.

Little Island Landscape Seating

ShowBox at The Battery

Client: The Battery Conservancy Architect: BKSK Architects Location: New York, NY Completion: 2021 Photography: SITU

With thoughtful design engineering and material studies of custom bent stainless panels, we fabricated and installed the ShowBox — a public children’s theater at The Battery designed by BKSK Architects. The design ensures safe use while amplifying the bold angular design of this multipurpose park amenity.

17 Emphasizing the integration of utility and design, the theater features a main proscenium that integrates a smaller puppet performance theater and back-of-house operations through cladded partitions, a cat-walk, and angular columns in this openair pavilion. Due to the exposed nature of this structure which sits at the water’s edge of lower Manhattan, and the expectation for high public interaction, our project management team initiated various material and design studies to address varying safety conditions and utility applications.

ShowBox at The Battery

Because the theater is expected to cater to youth programs and frequent visitors, safety was a main priority when considering the angular design and panel reveals. Tight reveals and custom 1/8” radius bends at panel terminations were accommodated and meticulously detailed by our team during installation to enhance safety for public interaction.

19 For the proscenium, our team detailed a theatrical stainless steel curtain in the proscenium portal as well as attending to the proscenium’s paneling challenges. We reimagined the junctions between triangular panels in order to create safer and aesthetically pleasing details that strengthen the theater’s linear panel design.

By considering both design and insightful implementation- our team was able to detail, fabricate and install a public park facility that will sustain functionality as an exterior metal structure, as well as sensitively tend to the needs of community exchange.

ShowBox at The Battery

Client: Alloy Development Location: Brooklyn, NY Completion: 2016 Photography: SITU Collaborator: Oso Industries

One John Street

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23 Working for the New York development group Alloy, SITU designed and built a series of sculptural concrete panels for the entry of One John Street, a residential building in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Each panel was created with a uniquely textured surface using a custom fabrication process we developed for this project. Experimenting with a variety of treatments and techniques, we worked through a series of iterative material samples that explored the aesthetics of erosion and encaustic. Ultimately, we arrived at a casting technique which creates an evenly distributed pattern and coloration across the field of panels while also allowing for each component to have its own subtle variations.

One John Street

Custom oven trays were designed to melt away the wax in an organic but consistent pattern that accentuates the height of each panel.

25 Through iterative material studies, we developed the final texture (far right), which expresses a unique mix of surface qualities.

The surface texture was achieved by casting fiberreinforced concrete against layers of crinkled paper and acetate, with patches of beeswax and salt directly applied to the surface. After curing for a number of days, the 17-ft tall panels were moved to a custom-built oven table, to artfully melt away the wax and extract most of the salt from the face of the panels. As a result, residual patches of crystallized salt remain embedded in the surface to create accents on the dark concrete. In total, we produced 64 panels to clad both interior and exterior portions of the building. With the exterior panels exposed to the elements and all surfaces left untreated, the appearance of each component evolves over time.

One John Street

300 Lafayette Lobby Client: Related Companies Architect: COOKFOX Architects Location: New York, NY Completion: 2019 Photography: Bruce Damonte, SITU

COOKFOX’s entry space design integrates blackened steel and solid white oak, requiring thoughtful and precise fabrication. SITU’s extensive experience with metal finishing and digital woodworking allowed for the design intent, of tall and vertically-oriented boards, to be achieved with considerations for material behavior and detailing.

Axonometric view of the lobby highlighting our scope areas: reception desk, builtin benches, continuous millwork and steel panelling.

29 Stack laminating the wood allowed us to control the distinct and durable rift-sawn grain orientation for this hightraffic project. To meet the design intent we reoriented the traditionally horizontal stack-lamination technique for a vertical orientation. With a vertical configuration, each board needed additional mitering to fit seamlessly in place. The detailed mitering process allowed us to control the type of exposed wood grain, keeping the rift-sawn face visible across all curves. The result is a tall and clean visual effect, complemented by the design’s single ripple that loops around the lobby.

300 Lafayette Lobby

The ripple accent winds around towards the front of the space where it protrudes from a side wall forming a built-in bench. Across from this and at the other end, the same milled detail curves outward to form an undulating reception desk. Our team detailed a removable top surface to the desk which has benefits of easy repair or refinishing, reduced waste with smaller boards, giving us more control over the consistent grain orientation on each face. Where the desk and wall meet, the tops twist into extremely complex curved sections. Early mockups determined the best configuration of lumber and integration of embedded dowels to compensate for internal tension.

31 For the blackened steel paneling, we developed a custom patination process to meticulously treat and burnish for an evenly mottled finish. Our ability to take on both millwork and metal scope areas allowed us to ensure a higher quality integration of seams and edge details.

300 Lafayette Lobby

Roger Williams Park Gateway Canopy

Architect: INFORM Studio Client: Providence Redevelopment Agency Location: Providence, RI Completion: 2022 Photography: Steve Kroodsma, SITU

35 Working in collaboration with INFORM Studio, we fabricated an entrance canopy of vibrantly colored aluminum fins that help welcome visitors and residents of the surrounding neighborhood to this valuable public space in Providence, RI. The fabrication of the fins was an interactive and intricate process that involved several stages of detail refinement, fabrication, and finishing. Composed of a high-quality, lightweight aluminum alloy that is both durable and easier to work than other material options, the fins were cut to the appropriate size and shape using precision cutting tools including CNC routers and lasers. After being cut to form, the aluminum frames and fins were coated with a high grade exterior paint in 35 different colors, giving the fins a unique, eyecatching appearance that reflect the vibrancy of the local community and provide an attractive entrance to the park space beyond.

Following painting, the fins were attached to the gateway structure using specialized brackets and hardware. This required careful attention to detail to ensure that the fins were properly aligned and securely attached. The use of advanced 3D parametric modeling tools by our project management team throughout the process allowed us to validate the design and optimize our approach, enabling the spacing and positioning of the fins to be exact and leading to a smooth installation. Due to the scope and public nature of the project, seamless coordination between our team and numerous skilled trades and contractors was essential to the process. It started with a strong working relationship with INFORM and continued through to the final installation of the fins and the completion of the project. The end result is a beautiful, functional, and durable gateway to a community treasure that has now been made more accessible and inviting to both visitors and the people of Providence.

Roger Williams Park Gateway Canopy

Columbia School of Journalism Client: Columbia University Architect: LTL Architects Contractor: Central Consulting & Contracting Location: New York, NY Completion: 2017 Photography: © Michael Moran/OTTO, SITU

Each of the pendants’ unique geometry is supported by a framework of aluminum angles which are custom bent to fit seamlessly together.

Working for LTL Architects at Columbia University’s School of Journalism, we fabricated a performancedriven acoustic ceiling for the Joseph D. Jamail Lecture Hall. Their design reimagines the hall’s original features, and includes more than 100 custom pendants and coffers protruding as much as five feet into the space. Together these elements create dramatic volumes and recesses that integrate lighting fixtures, sound systems, HVAC, projectors and recording equipment. We fabricated the surfaces out of felt-like ezoBord, which is made from recycled water bottles. Each of these faceted panels was mitered with machineprecision using a CNC blade attachment and backed by a light framework of bent aluminum.

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17' - 0" Bottom of tee grid structure 15' - 9 3⁄8" Suspended ceiling plane

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9' - 7 ¼" T.O. projector platform 8' - 8 ¼" Mezzanine beam

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Columbia School of Journalism

21' - 7 3⁄8" Existing ceiling

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Overhead, the structure is suspended by steel cables and—where it terminates at the far side— clips directly to the existing wall. The resulting composition of these forms enhances the inherent acoustical properties of the material, achieving sophisticated quality with minimal cost and installation time.

Columbia School of Journalism

Providence River Pedestrian Bridge Client: Rhode Island Department of Transportation Architect: inFORM studio Location: Providence, RI Completion: 2019 Photography: Steve Kroodsma, SITU

The Providence River Pedestrian Bridge is a transformative project designed by inFORM studio that curves across the Providence River to reconnect neighborhoods that were once divided by the outdated I-195 interstate highway. Working closely with the designers to bring their concept to life, our team refined the project’s sinuous new cladding system and custom structural connections.

Each module is composed of a stainless steel armature and wood panels that can be easily removed to facilitate long-term maintenance.

45 Since the bridge is seen as a local landmark and the community was highly engaged in the planning process, it was crucial for us to achieve the design’s intended complexity and organic quality. Our scope was the wooden exterior cladding, composed of 250 individual panels that wrap around both sides of the multi-level bridge. We also developed demountable connection details that facilitate the kind of long-term maintenance required for such a prominent part of the design.

Providence River Pedestrian Bridge

Using parametric tools, we developed the internal structure of each panel and thousands of custom connections where they attach to the substructure. Simultaneously, we found ways to modularize the larger system while preserving the unique form and surface curves. Overall, this helped accelerate the production schedule and reduce material waste and costs.

In order to make the modules demountable, our team developed a break-formed steel clip system, adjustable for fine-tuning a more precise anchoring of each unique segment.

Rising from the original piers of the old highway, this public pathway allows residents and tourists to cross freely between these adjacent neighborhoods for the first time. And with multiple plazas and gathering spaces along the bridge, the river itself becomes a new center for the community.

Providence River Pedestrian Bridge

Our team engineered each module’s stainless steel armature to be as lightweight as possible while structurally supporting and giving shape to the finished surface. Unlike with the decking above which is built with heavy ipe lumber, we used wana—a less dense hardwood species with the same durable properties that can withstand weathering. We then delivered these material components to a trusted local team to be carefully assembled and ultimately installed by barge.

Client: Private Architects: Architecture + Information Location: New York, NY Completion: 2019 Photography: SITU

Elevator Lobby at 55 Hudson Yards

An illuminated pattern becomes concentrated at the end of the hallway and gradually more dispersed at the far ends, creating a dramatic frame for the visitor entry experience.

Multiple fabrication techniques and finishes were brought together to create this illuminated entry space for a private office at Hudson Yards. Designed by Architecture + Information (A+I), this project is unified by a rich gradient of backlit metal textures that wraps around a curved elevator lobby, leading to an open reception area. In addition to fabricating more than 1,000 sq ft of complex aluminum millwork, we used a series of different surfacing techniques to develop a unique finish that complements the project’s integrated lighting.

51 Unfolded elevation with cutaways revealing lighting system and armature.

Our process started with the gradient pattern running throughout the design. Variations in size, relief and density were used to parametrically control the pattern’s gradation—which becomes concentrated in the center and more dispersed towards the outer panels. Initial mockups allowed us to test the visual quality of embossed, debossed and perforated details. We then CNC-milled those three types of relief details across each surface, using variations in diameter to achieve an overall naturallooking randomization.

Elevator Lobby at 55 Hudson Yards

Behind the metal panels, a layered lighting system shines through the perforated surfaces. LED sheets provide an even light source which is then diffused through an added layer of translucent acrylic. One of the design challenges was to avoid unintentional fluctuations in the brightness that can occur where panels meet, near structural connections or around small features like the elevator call buttons. To mitigate this, we interspersed small puck-like standoffs between layers that support the panels more discreetly than linear connections.

The designers specified a uniform and lustrous finish to enhance illumination throughout the space. Working through a series of finish samples, we arrived at a three-part approach. We started by fabricating all components from mirror-finished aluminum, which was crucial for maintaining a consistent appearance during subsequent phases. Each part was then bead-blasted to create a sense of depth and a rough, but even, sheen. Finally, we coated the completed panels with a clear protective film to prevent the accumulation of handprints and dirt. Exploded assembly view of a corner panel showing the plywood armature, standoff, LEDs and diffuser-backed aluminum screen

53 To our team, this project presented an opportunity to bring together multiple areas of expertise and experimentation, from materiality to integrated lighting and multiple fabrication techniques. For visitors, guests and office staff, the elevator lobby frames the first part of a welcoming entry experience.

Elevator Lobby at 55 Hudson Yards

Client: 55M Architect: The Switzer Group Location: Washington, DC Completion: 2021 Photography: Colin Miller

55M Lobby Lounge Canopy Expansion

Working with The Switzer Group, we synthesized efficient fabrication detailing with digital tools to furnish and install a lobby canopy and lounge enclosure for 55M in Washington DC. Inspired by the area’s history of ship building, the system of louvers creates an organic boat-like geometry that fluidly merges the reception and lounge areas in the space.

Because budget was a sensitive factor, our team chose edge-banded plywood to control material consistency and cost efficiency. We detailed the structure into multiple panelized modules that could be installed with maximum efficiency on site. All the ribs were milled on our 5-axis CNC router to maximize cutting efficiency, accommodate pocketed hardware, and to achieve select compound miters on the louvers. Parts were meticulously labeled to correspond to the system’s assembly sequence.

55M Lobby Lounge Expansion

Our solution utilizes edge-banded rift-sawn white oak plywood detailed to conceal fasteners inside the louver sections, and simplify the lighting installation and maintenance. This posed exciting challenges for engineering and installation, but was necessary to preserve the undulating boat hull effect.

Louvers were connected to larger structural ribs using a dowel system, while larger ribs were also used to attach to adjacent panel modules. Once installed together, the attached structural ribs unify into one larger structural member, accentuating the visual hierarchy of the design. Panels had to be carefully labeled for the thoughtfully choreographed install sequence to ensure structural stability and site safety. Steel plates were integrated inside the slat sections to act as splice plates that connect panel modules, as well as structural hangers. Each plate was waterjet cut to match the geometry of the curved fins. A similar approach was taken for integrated base-plates that fasten the lounge enclosure to the floor.

59 55M Lobby Lounge Expansion

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, LAX

Client: Virgin Atlantic Architect: Slade Architecture Location: Los Angeles, CA Completion: 2015 Photography: Tom Sibley

Utilizing a range of digital and traditional fabrication services, we helped Slade Architecture realize their sleek design for the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at LAX. Virtually all surfaces of this interior project featured prominent curves, requiring flawless, highgrade finishes. Leveraging our massive thermoformer, we fabricated the entire curvilinear feature wall from customcast Corian. Starting off as a reception desk at the entrance, this solid surface transforms into a series of tables and eventually forms the bar itself.

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Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, LAX

65 In addition to the thermoformed components, we also produced a range of architectural accents and furnishings for the space. Using rolled sheets of copper, we fabricated a warm and lustrous backsplash behind the bar. Echoing the curves of California’s surfing culture, we milled a 24-ft long bamboo table top alongside windows that overlook the runway. Working with upholstery and 3D modeling, we helped the the client realize their custom designs for sofas and comfortable furnishings throughout the lounge. Beyond fabrication services, we worked closely with the client to provide detailed engineering services that helped bring each of these distinct features and materials together.

More than 100 custom-fabricated Corian components were used to create the feature wall (shown in axonometric), and each section is joined together seamlessly for continuous curves.

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, LAX

Quiet Pod for a Private Residence

Client: Residential Private Architect: Studio MDA Location: New York, NY Completion: 2022 Photography: SITU

Multiple fabrication techniques and materials were employed to create a quiet space in the center of a residential atrium in New York City. Beyond fabrication services, we worked closely with the client to provide detailed engineering services that helped bring each of these distinct features and materials together. Starting from the designer’s concept, SITU Fabrication developed, built, and installed the Quiet Pod which provides an acoustically separated sanctuary and office space in the midst of the everbustling city.

69 Quiet Pod for a Private Residence

Rising 12.5 ft high and 20 ft in diameter, the main structure of the pod is constructed of CNC-milled plywood and aluminum ribs clad in thermoformed solid surface panels. Using the entire extent of our 10 x 5 ft thermoformer, these Avonite panels were molded into a curvature that, when mounted, gives the impression of the pod as a full sphere. In coordinating our installation of the seeminglycircular pod simultaneously with the construction of the atrium’s 2-story curved staircase, we ensured the seamless fit of a singular piece into a predetermined space.

71 In addition to the integration of the pod into the existing space, the pocket doors and interior space presented challenges as well as opportunities for unique elements. After an exhaustive search for offthe-shelf options, a custom, curved door track was designed and built in-house. This allowed the curved pocket doors of the pod to open in a smooth, sliding motion, maximizing the pod’s usable space. Inside the pod, recycled pineapple leather, an innovative natural textile made from pineapple leaf fibers was utilized to upholster the acoustic panels lining the walls and provide a relaxing, golden glow to the space. Embedded handles in the doors made for an elegant final touch. As with most of our projects, collaboration with the project team was essential to the success of the project. In the case of the Quiet Pod we worked closely with the general contractor building out other

Quiet Pod for a Private Residence

Google Humboldt Activators The future of workplace is adaptive and changing faster than ever before. SITU: Fabrication Client: Google Architect: Nash Hurley Architecture Studio, West 8 Architects Completion: 2022 Location: Sunnyvale, CA Photography: ©Google

The activators, with a notable exception, were fabricated using reclaimed redwood from old pickle barrels, a nod to California’s ecological and economic history. The remaining activator, nicknamed “Landmark,” is situated along a greenway bike path that connects all buildings within the campus. Acting as a placemaker for commuters, this activator was instead built from an array of reclaimed wood sourced from a hangar at the historic Moffett Airfield located a short distance from the campus.

53 Alongside SITU Studio’s design of four new building interiors at the Google Sunnyvale campus, SITU Fabrication worked with landscape architects, West8 and NashHurley, to develop exterior structures that “activate” the campus’s outdoor courtyards. These activators provide seating, privacy, meeting space, and connection to the local environment for Google’s employees and campus visitors.

A variety of techniques - including laser cutting, 5-axis CNC routing, and detailed metal work - were employed to realize the activators. The serpentine and curved benches placed throughout the courtyard consist of deceptively complex geometries that presented distinct challenges to both fabrication and installation.To successfully engineer these benches, our fabricators built custom-rolled aluminum frames that were then welded with many twists and turns, allowing for all pieces of the bench to be assembled seamlessly. Combining the design intent of the landscape architects and the fabrication expertise of our team, the activators ensure an outdoor space that is inviting, usable, and interactive, helping to create an environment that fosters wellbeing and creativity in the workplace.

Media Wall for New York Financial Office Lobby

Client: Confidential Architect: Gensler Location: New York, NY Completion: 2021 Photography: Rafael Gamo

Following a rigorous Design Build process, we fabricated and integrated a meticulous system of decorative metal paneling with programmable LED technology to activate an inspiring amenities lobby for a financial office in New York City. Designed by Gensler’s Digital Experience Design division (DXD), we came onboard to develop and detail a custom backlit perforation system as part of a custom millwork package composed of powder coated steel panels that spanned not only the reception area, but entryways into office, cafeteria and service spaces. The custom perforation utilizes letter-shaped cutouts to convey visual effects with coordinated patterns and gradients as well as discrete messages.

The fabrication approach we developed during the mockup phase used a variety of materials to successfully deliver the lighting effect. Ultra-black lighting baffles used behind layers of acrylic spacers and diffusers direct light and address the light bleed concerns. Careful choice of material thickness, sizing, and reinforcement allowed the panels to span over the LEDs and ventilation equipment without appearing thick or heavy. We accommodated fans in our assembly that blow air across the LED arrays to keep the electronics from overheating. Attachment methods for the panels were carefully detailed to allow access behind the lighting display for maintenance while preserving a clean hardware-free look.

Media Wall for New York Financial Office Lobby

Working closely with TAD, who provided the programmable LED system and AV prowess, we began our Design Build by developing a working mockup to simulate the lighting effects and experiment with different diffusion layers to achieve the desired intent. The primary challenge was to create a cladding assembly that could transmit larger flowing light patterns while still able to focus illumination on a single letter without the light bleeding over to adjacent letters, thereby diminishing the effect. The system also needed to easily coordinate multiple union trades on site with pinpoint precision.

Hudson Yards Benches Working with NBWLA and KPF, SITU fabricated an elegant series of undulating benches that will provide plaza seating at Hudson Yards for years to come. SITU: Fabrication Client: Related Companies Architect: Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects, Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates Contractor: AECOM Tishman Completion: 2017

The wooden benches provide 75 linear feet of seating and are located at the end of the Highline extension between The Shed and 10 Hudson Yard. The project began by creating a parametric 3D model to determine seat thickness, spacing and the overall form of the benches. The digital model was translated directly into a full-scale mockup to test drainage, maintenance, material strength and finish. We leveraged our 5-axis CNC router to fabricate the 1 ½ inch-thick ipe slats and then finished them with a high-grade natural oil seal, which protects the slats from drastic changes in moisture and allows the natural beauty of the wood to come through.

63 The benches come together using steel standoffs, creating the perfect half inch gap between each slat. Made of glass-bead-blasted 316 stainless steel alloy, the structural frame is designed to resist corrosion over time. The end result is an elegant series of undulating benches that will provide plaza seating at Hudson Yards for years to come.

Joel Braverman High School Bet Midrash Canopy

Client: Yeshivah of Flatbush Architect: Dattner Architects Location: Brooklyn, NY Completion: 2019 Photography: Olympia Shannon, SITU

Section diagram of the canopy.

As part of the expansion of the Joel Braverman High School in Brooklyn, Dattner Architects approached us to fabricate a monumental wooden canopy for the school’s BenHaim Bet Midrash. The challenge was to find a cost-effective approach, while still creating the same transformative impact on the space.

67 The canopy was conceived as a 2,500 sq ft curved lattice, suspended from a 20-foot-high ceiling. We created a modular system wherein 10-foot by 5-foot sections of interlocking beams attach together to form the canopy. Composed of 54 modules, our goal was to create a uniform appearance across the entire ceiling installation.

Joel Braverman High School Bet Midrash Canopy

In terms of material, solid beams would have been heavy, costly and unfeasible to install, and thus an alternative was needed. After evaluating a range of material options we recommended using lightweight birch-veneered plywood. Once we received the sheets, we took advantage of our large format CNCrouter to cut out curved beams. We then laminated the raw edges with matching strips of birch veneer, which gave the appearance of solid wooden beams without all the weight and expense.

Notches in the beams allowed them to interlock without needing to be glued together. Since the self-supporting modules were still somewhat flexible the installation process was much easier. Given the canopy’s sloping geometry, we designed custom steel joints that align with the angles of each module exactly. Sockets in the four corners of each module allow these steel joints to fit cleanly and inconspicuously within adjoining beams, thereby connecting the canopy together. Steel cables, which connect to the same joints, suspend the canopy from the ceiling, while pendant lights, speakers and sprinklers hang between the gaps.

69 The canopy is comprised of 54 different modules, held together by custom steel joints that connect to steel suspension cables.

Our material and process-driven approach ensured that every module and connection came together correctly. As a result, the project’s smooth curvature and natural quality create a sense of warmth and character within this large-scale space.

Joel Braverman High School Bet Midrash Canopy

Park Avenue Synagogue Minyan Chapel

Client: Park Avenue Synagogue Architect: MBB Architects Location: New York, NY Completion: 2019 Photography: Francis Dzikowski

Harnessing our Design Assist and fabrication services, our team developed and fabricated an intricate custom cladding for the Minyan Chapel at Park Avenue Synagogue. To bring together the architect’s and Synagogue’s vision of a cultural space for prayer, our project management team explored various materials, pattern details, and coordination strategies for what would ultimately become an ornate multilayered wood and decorative metal feature.

73 Offset from the curved wood veneered surface, we fabricated and installed two layers of custom perforated brass sheets that enhanced the warmth and richness of this space for worship. The pattern design was chosen by the architect to pay homage to the previous chapel altar. We carefully distorted the metal pattern to accommodate the fluid geometry of the wall, which was detailed to accommodate challenging field conditions. Each part was brushed and waxed by hand for an inviting finish that emulates oil-rubbed bronze.

With astute attention to detail and cultural specificities in mind, our team was able to enhance the renovation of this existing cultural center through aesthetic development and delicate fabrication expertise to realize this intimate community gathering space.

Park Avenue Synagogue Minyan Chapel

Selected Clients Architects & Designers 5G Studio Collaborative 2×4 A+I Adjaye Associates AECOM Aether Tech Allied Works Architecture Andrea Steele Architecture Aranda\Lasch Archi-Tectonics Arup Asymptote Architecture Bernard Tschumi Architects BHDM Design BIG BKSK Architects BVN Camber Studio CDR Studio Christian de Portzamparc Clive Wilkinson Architects COOKFOX Architects Cooper Carry dash design Dattner Architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro DLR Group Efficiency Lab for Architecture Eisenman Architects Ennead Architects

Field Operations Foster + Partners Francis Cauffman Architects Frederick Tang Architects FTL Design Engineering Studio FXCollaborative Gary Shoemaker Architects Gensler GRT Architects Hariri & Hariri Architecture Heatherwick Studio HLW HOK INFORM Studio Interior Architects Jaklitsch / Gardner Architects Joanna Pertz Landscape Architecture Joel Sanders Architect Kenzo Digital Immersive Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates LTL Architects Lubrano Ciavarra Architects Marpillero Pollak Architects Marvel Architects Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects Mathieu Lehanneur M Moser Associates MESH Architectures Meyer Davis Murphy Burnham & Buttrick

Nash Hurley Architecture Studio Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects The Office of Thierry W Despont OMA Oppenheim Architecture Pei Partnership Architects Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects Pentagram Perkins&Will PDP London REX Rockwell Group Selldorf Architects SheltonMindel SHoP Architects Slade Architecture Snøhetta SO–IL SOM Standard Architects Steven Holl Architects Studio MDA STUDIO V Architecture Switzer Group TEN Arquitectos Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects Weiss/Manfredi West 8 Woods Bagot WXY

Gardiner & Theobald Gilbane Gotham Hines Hunter Roberts Construction Group Icon Interiors ICS Builders Jonathan Rose Companies JRM Construction Management J.T. Magen & Company Kiewit Lend Lease Lettire Construction Macro Sea March Associates Construction Monadnock Construction Novo Construction

One Vanderbilt NYC Economic Development Corporation Paramount Group The Parker Company Plaza Construction Reidy Contracting Group Related Companies RXR Realty Shawmut SilverLining Skanska SL Green Realty Structure Tone Turner Vornado Realty Trust WM Blanchard

Contractors & Developers AECOM & AECOM Tishman Allied Partners Alloy Archstone Builders The Battery Conservancy Barr & Barr Benchmark Builders Brookfield Properties Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation Clune Construction Company Cross Management Corporation Devcon Construction Douglas Elliman Real Estate The Durst Organization Evista Group Extell

Companies & Institutions Adidas Y-3 American Century Investments Audemars Piguet Brooklyn Academy of Music Brooklyn Museum Brooklyn Public Library Calvin Klein The Clark Columbia University Congregation Rodeph Sholom Convene Cooper Hewitt The Cooper Union DevaCurl Draper The Field Museum Forty Five Ten Harvard University

IAC Little Island LVMH Madison Square Park Conservancy Marc Jacobs Massachusetts Institute of Technology Microsoft MoMA Mount Sinai MTA National Museum of the American Indian New Lab New York Hall of Science New York University NYC Department of Cultural Affairs NYC Department of Parks & Recreation NYU Langone Health Oakley

Open House New York Park Avenue Synagogue Point72 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Princeton University Rhode Island DOT RWJBarnabas Health Saks Fifth Avenue Smithsonian Institute Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Soros Fund Management Times Square Alliance ULI New York Versace VICE Magazine Virgin Atlantic Yeshivah of Flatbush

Larissa Goldston Gallery Lehmann Maupin Leila Heller Gallery Sebastien Leon Agneessens Sarah Meyohas Dennis Oppenheim Sarah Oppenheimer Pace Gallery Paula Cooper Gallery

Adam Pendleton Seth Price Walid Raad Sfeir-Semler Gallery Alyson Shotz The Suzanne Geiss Company Mika Tajima Taro Nasu James Turrell

Johannes Leonardo MA3 Agency Mazarine Moment Factory PS New York Sid Lee

Surface to Air villa eugénie Watson & Company

Artists & Galleries Maurizio Cattelan Derek Eller Gallery Sebastian ErraZuriz Teresita Fernández Gagosian Gallery Anton Ginzburg Dev Harlan Mara G. Haseltine Susan Hefuna

Creative Agencies 10XBeta C&G Partners Conduit Projects ESI Design Formavision HUSH