T O T O P - JO LEE Magazine

JO LEE: Where does SHoP see architecture
going in the coming years?
SHoP: Jo Lee, since WW2 architecture has
become a highly specialized profession. As a
result of standardization of the building industry,
with the innovations in digital technology, architects
are now better able to work at multiple
scales on different types of programs and
embrace responsibility previously delegated to
other industries.
The innovations in computer aided design and
computer aided fabrication has allowed us to
become more involved in the actual construction
of our buildings. Every material, connection,
and bolt is first modeled in 3-D in the computer
and analyzed prior to the actual construction.
By doing this we can eliminate unnecessary mistakes
and material waste in the field and push
new innovative ideas. As we enter the 21st century,
SHoP truly believes the role of the architect
is evolving from that of the design to that of the
master builder, where the architect embraces
design, innovation, construction, finance and
aesthetics in a holistic way.
JO LEE: So, master builders - what are
some of the projects you’re presently
working on?
SHoP: Oh - we are currently working on a new
70,000 square foot design center for the Fashion
Institute of Technology in New York City and a
new waterfront esplanade along the East River
in Lower Manhattan, recently exhibited at the
Venice Biennale in September, 2006.
We too, are currently working with General
Growth Partners on the master plan for the Seaport
District and Fulton Fish Market. SHoP was
invited to submit our Camera Obscura for the
waterfront park in Greenport, a building that was
100% digitally fabricated, for the Cooper Hewitt
Triennial which opened in January of 2007.
JO LEE: This is totally amazing! Each of
you have accomplished so much in so many
different areas - if you had a dream job,
what would it be?
SHoP: An airport and/or a sports stadium.
JO LEE: I’m smiling. What a quick
response! Wasn’t one of your recently completed
projects an entire community center?
SHoP: Yes, a community center in DeLisle,
Mississippi, a town that was devastated by
Hurricane Katrina in August, 2005. It was a wonderful
opportunity, Jo Lee, for the office to be
directly involved in rebuilding a community and to
provide the foundation for the future new town
center.
JO LEE: And here you are – the 5
Columbia grads. I applaud you - Chris,
Coren, Bill, Kim, Gregg. And world: if you
need the rebuilding of a community or an
airport or a sports stadium … it could very
well be in your best interests to remember ~
ShoP.
SHoP: Thank you, Jo Lee.
JO LEE MAGAZINE - P AGE 26 / / CONTENTS PAGE