South Street Seaport, December 2013

Building the Catch&Release installation under the FDR in a 15×15  box took a lot of sweat, dust, cold, late night, hands-on building with 2x4s, and salvaged wood from Sandy. Under the supervision of lead designer Yeju Choi, design-built collaborators–including Chat Travieso, Heechan Kim, and Chris Fox– along with storytellers Cristian Fleming and Stephanie Lukito giving a hand, helped make a graphic design idea into a three-dimensional experience. The Catch&Release was up before the holidays, official time for gratitude.

A system of cordon and pulleys symbolizes the collective activation of relationships, an act that will help participants rediscover what makes them uniquely resilient. The design of the installation was largely inspired by the vernacular materials of the Seaport’s maritime activity. As a tangible design experience and a community engagement tool, the installation’s form encourages the expression of aspirations while fostering social bonds, creating new opportunities to shift perception about South Street Seaport’s future.

Photos: Yeju Choi