New York-based Studio SOFTlab has completed ‘Xtra Moenia’, an installation that is consisting of a system of four-pointed pieces, the installation uses a complex system in which the units fluctuate in size and color to create a three-dimensional surface. Two points pull out in opposite directions to result in a tubular form that visitors can experience from below. The bright gradient coupled with the polar directional pull of the plane creates a dynamic visual tension to the piece.
courtesy of SOFTlab
‘Xtra Moenia is a site specific installation designed and produced by SOFTlab for the San Gennaro North Gate. The piece was commissioned by Two Bridges Neighborhood Council and produced by The They Co. The piece serves as the North Gate to the annual San Gennaro Festival. We developed a form that created out of two distinct oculi as a reference to one of the simplest and most effective classical architecture devices. One oculus points up while the other hangs down defining a zone on the street for pedestrians. The two forms are created using a minimal surface blending the two oculi together in a way that blurs the distinction between the two. The final geometry was developed closely with the structural engineering firm Arup.
courtesy of SOFTlab
The piece is completely held in tension from cables attached to the surrounding buildings. The shape is completely site specific and can only find its true form when attached at these specific points and tensioned with the proper lengths. Each piece is unique requiring custom software tools to be developed to fabricate the installation. The installation is made of 4224 laser cut panels. Each panel is a unique shape and printed with a custom color. The panels are connected using over 6,000 aluminum grommets. The shape is held in complete tension using a complex system of cables and tubes attached to the surrounding buildings.’
courtesy of SOFTlab
design team: michael szivos, carrie mcknelly, sean madigan
installation: elliot white, brandt graves, sarah hunter, liz kelsey, brandon bartle,
sonal patel, sally to, simon kristak, henry choi, julia schlepe, katherine salamat, anthony buccellato
supported by: barbizon lighting company, graphix plastics, arup, craft engineering, davinci artist supply
Materials: Mylar, Aluminum Grommets, Photo Gels, Aluminum Pipe.
Size: 25′x25′x60′
Surface Area: 1683 sq ft
Location: Mulberry Street between Houston and Prince, NYC
Ibrahim Abdelhady is an architect, academic, and media entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in architecture and digital publishing. He is the Founder and CEO of Arch2O.com, a leading platform in architectural media, renowned for showcasing innovative projects, student work, and critical discourse in design. Holding dual PhDs in Architecture, Dr. Abdelhady combines academic rigor with industry insight, shaping both future architects and architectural thought. He actively teaches, conducts research, and contributes to the global architecture community through his writing, lectures, and media ventures. His work bridges the gap between practice and academia, pushing the boundaries of how architecture is communicated in the digital age.