Elena (Jiamin) Yang
Beyond Display
Crafting Emotional Journeys for Connectivity and Belonging
In Manhattan's bustling urban environment, genuine community connections are rare, especially among neighbors. This thesis explores innovative interventions to transform interactive exhibitions, aiming to foster community belonging and connectivity. Amidst the city's vertical living, where neighbor interactions are limited to elevators and lobbies, Manhattan House's unique structure, with five towers surrounding a shared park and rooftop, provides a communal space. However, these connections seldom form.
This book proposes an innovative exhibition concept that transcends traditional static displays, creating spaces for introspection with residents' personal artifacts and dynamic communal activities. The restored rooftop terrace will serve as a public living room and a repository of the building's rich history, transporting residents back in time. By showcasing the building's past, these methods aim to strengthen residents' connection to their shared heritage, fostering connectivity, a sense of belonging, and community pride, transforming strangers into familiar faces and enriching urban social fabric.
Proposed Rooftop Layout
Architectural drawing showing the proposed layout for a rooftop space, featuring various sections including a pool, seating areas, greenery, and interior rooms.
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Title: Proposed Rooftop Layout
Dimensions: 2048 x 563 pixels
Material: Architectural drawing
Caption: The proposed rooftop layout illustrates a detailed plan for a rooftop space, including areas for a pool, seating, greenery, and various rooms, designed to optimize outdoor and indoor functionalities.
Urban Connections and Experiences in Manhattan
Graphic illustration depicting various aspects of urban life and experiences in Manhattan, including emotional experiences, personal belongings, life stories, urban neighbor isolation, and community connections, linked to a cityscape backdrop.
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Dimensions: 768 x 960 pixels
Material: Graphic
This illustration connects different aspects of urban life and experiences in Manhattan, emphasizing emotional experiences, personal belongings, life stories, urban isolation, and community connections, all tied to the city's landscape.
Historical and Demographic Overview of Manhattan House
Infographic showing the history, notable tenants, and demographic details of Manhattan House, including images of its architecture and famous residents like Grace Kelly and Benny Goodman, along with a map highlighting its location.
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Dimensions: 1081 x 768 pixels
Material: Infographic
Caption: The infographic provides a historical and demographic overview of Manhattan House, highlighting its architectural design, notable tenants such as Grace Kelly and Benny Goodman, and its impact on the urban density of New York City.
The Manhattan House App Interface
Screenshots displaying various features of The Manhattan House App, including sign-in screen, residents profile, community social activities, event details, and a map of facilities
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Dimensions: 2048 x 634 pixels
Material: Digital Interface Design
Caption: The Manhattan House App offers a seamless interface for residents to manage their profiles, keep up with community events, and stay connected with neighbors.
Jackie Robinson Inspired Interior Design Proposal
A mood board inspired by Jackie Robinson, featuring images of him, color palette, and interior design elements like a baseball glove chair, vibrant wall paint, and sports memorabilia.
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Dimensions: 768 x 960 pixels
Material: Digital Mood Board
Caption: The Jackie Robinson design proposal honors the legacy of the legendary baseball player with warm tones, iconic features, and a blend of modern and classic decor.
Digital Mood Board
A mood board inspired by Grace Kelly, featuring images of her, color palette, and interior design elements like a sofa, wallpaper, and lighting.
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Dimensions: 768 x 960 pixels
Material: Digital Mood Board
Caption: The Grace Kelly design proposal captures the elegance and glamour of the Hollywood icon with refined French-style decor, sophisticated colors, and vintage elements.
Gordon Bunshaft Inspired Interior Design Proposal
A mood board inspired by Gordon Bunshaft, featuring images of modernist architecture, minimalist design elements, geometric shapes, and art pieces including paintings and sculptures.
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Dimensions: 768 x 960 pixels
Material: Digital Mood Board
Caption: The Gordon Bunshaft design proposal draws inspiration from his East Hampton home, highlighting his minimalist aesthetic and passion for art and design. It showcases his dedication to blending artistic and geometric elements into architectural spaces, creating a timeless and innovative environment.
Benny Goodman Inspired Interior Design Proposal
A mood board inspired by Benny Goodman, featuring images of him performing, a clarinet, and design elements like vintage musical instruments, jazz-themed decor, and art collections.
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Dimensions: 768 x 960 pixels
Material: Digital Mood Board
Caption: The Benny Goodman design proposal draws inspiration from the "King of Swing's" Manhattan House apartment. It celebrates his swing jazz music, exquisite clarinet playing, and passion for art collections, creating a space for visitors to immerse themselves in music and culture.
