MOMA/P.S.1, Tom Wiscombe Design had the challenge of designing an urban beach within the PS1 courtyard of the Contemporary art centre. The design incorporates the uses of a cellular roof contained by a leisure landscape. It has a variety of features including a long lap pool, furniture’s for sitting and socializing and a catwalk that’s elevated at different heights.
Courtesy of Tom Wiscombe
As the roof is a temporary structure that had to be designed, manufactured and constructed within just two months. This made for an intense process with no rest in between processes. This was made relatively easy due to methods of digital fabrication.
Courtesy of Tom Wiscombe
In the designing of the roof, it was based on creating a long spanning structure with a non-hierarchical structural pattern. Which meant for no identifiable primary to secondary structure, but instead using an interlaced cell structure for its support.
Courtesy of Tom Wiscombe
Areas that required shading where used to help define the geometry and location of each cells while making note to how they would interact with other cells. A second skin wraps these elements together creating a unified structure. It is this that causes the interconnected cells to work as one enabling these areas of large clear spans.
Courtesy of Tom Wiscombe
A great sight of the structure is during the night, as its transparent skin begins to emit a reddish glow illuminating areas around it, as if something out of this world, which at its time might be. For those areas that needs a boost additional spotlights where added.
Project info:
Architects: Tom Wiscombe Design
Country: United States, New York
Year: 2003
Photographs: Courtesy of Tom Wiscombe
Anastasia Andreieva is an accomplished Architectural Projects Editor at Arch2O, bringing a unique blend of linguistic expertise and design enthusiasm to the team. Born and raised in Ukraine, she holds a Master’s degree in Languages from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Her deep passion for architecture and visual storytelling led her to transition from translation and editorial roles into the world of design media. With a keen eye for conceptual clarity and narrative structure, Anastasia curates and presents global architectural projects with precision and flair. She is particularly drawn to parametric and digital design, cultural context, and emerging voices in architecture. When I’m not analyzing the latest architectural trends, you’ll probably find me searching for hidden gems in cityscapes or appreciating the beauty of well-crafted spaces. After all, great design—like great connections—can be found in the most unexpected places. Speaking of connections, because architecture isn’t the only thing that brings people together.