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Design - High Tech
Island
The two high-tech systems of the island
need substantial weather protection on the waterfront and a family of
domed glass-houses is shown here for enclosure of all its
components.
On the right, the primary feature at
the center of the island is a joy-stick controlled video-camera and
group-viewing platform with an elevated ultra-bright, large-screen monitor for
simultaneous distance and close-up viewing by 8-10 people. Since a
sense of openness, lightness and inter-visibility is
 desired, the
structure suggested here is in the form of a large “bell-jar” covering
the platform and its occupants within enclosing segments of alternately
transparent and translucent glass, and openings for entrance/egress in
between. The entire structure can be rotated, as can the video-camera,
to take advantage of the staggering variety of ever-changing prospects
of the river and its shores.
The eight
“touch-screen” computers depicted at the left and behind are shown here
housed in 6’ metal and glass
kiosks with self-operating closing doors, sized for one or two users.
Since, like cell-phones, clarity of image is still an issue, the
dome-shaped roof is likely to be opaque and the screen inset into a
horizontal work-surface shielded by a semi-circular hood.
The subject matter
to be programmed is highly varied: the ecology of the rivers and their
flora and fauna, the historic development of their abutting lands in the
evolution of New York City, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten
Island, as well as the basic practical
information on high and low tides, fish populations and water quality.
Also, the current concern with global warming and its impact on seawater
levels as well as the modification of the urban “heat island” through
green initiatives could be addressed.
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