Learning Places Fall 2016 SITE REPORT #1 EXTENDED GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL STEVEN BACULIMA 10.06.2016
INTRODUCTION We went to visit Grand Central Terminal where we observed both the exterior as well and interior of this iconic terminal. Visiting the Main Concourse,Lower Concourse, and Vanderbilt Hall. This picture depicts Vanderbilt Hall. It serves as an entrance to the terminal from Pershing Square and it's right next to the Main Concourse. It gets the name Vanderbilt from the family that built and owned the station. In the photo you see a chandelier hanging from the ceiling, in a way it makes it more elegant and more inviting to guest of a higher class. There is some symmetry with the two windows facing each other which also brings more light to setting during the day. 1
This is a photo of the glory of commerce that sits on top of Grand Central. The figure in the center is Mercury known as the messenger to the gods, he symbolizes travel,commerce,business, and wealth. To the left of Mercury is an older man with a hammer on his hand. Around him are objects such as an anchor, a cogwheel, an anvil and a beehive, this is believed to portray the technology by which man has conquered the earth. On Mercury's other side, a woman has her attention on a long scroll, she holds a pen in her right hand and looks as if she s about to write something. The woman in this sculpture represents the intellectual efforts of man, the man on the opposite side represents the physical efforts. The sculpture as a whole represents business is supported by physical and mental ventures. 2
This photo depicts the ceiling of the Main Concourse. The ceiling depicts the Mediterranean sky during the October to March Zodiac. There are 2,500 stars. Interesting enough in 1998 a 12 year restoration of Grand Central began to remove decades of tar and nicotine from tobacco smoke. A single dark patch still remains unclean till this day. Another interesting fact is that the ceiling is actually backwards, Vanderbilt clarifies that it was intended that way because he wanted it to be in a perspective of the divine rather than man. 3
SITE DOCUMENTATION (sketches*) *2 sketches minimum required per site visit My first sketch depicts one of the many rails that the grand central terminal has. I found it interesting that for the design of this terminal they use more ramps instead of staircases. In a way it's more convenient for people to go on ramps than stairs especially when there is more volume of people passing by each day. 4
For this next sketch I drew the terminal clock. Having it placed in the center of a wide open space means that it was intended to be significant. Not only that but the size of the clock is pretty decent and the color makes it even stand out more. Also having the clock indoors makes it more desirable to stay at rather than outdoors. Having these factors together proves why is one of the most famous meeting spots of the public. GENERAL NOTES: In 1998 The Main Concourse ceiling started its 12 year restoration. There is 2,500 stars in the ceiling. Acorns and oak leaves are carved in stone throughout GCT. The view in the ceiling is backwards and it's because it is meant to be viewed by the divine. The restoration team left a patch uncleaned for people to see what was it like. 5
INSIGHTS/DISCOVERIES Having visited this site I see that a lot of thought was put in the design of this terminal. Some were personal reasons others were meant for the public. Iconic stuff like the ceiling which has the Zodiacs and the stars make it beautiful to the eye of the spectator. The Clock which is easily found because of its placement and known as the most famous meetup spot. Grand Central has beautiful Chandeliers which produce light. The rails which make it more easy to walk through, Its large glass windows which make day light come in and illuminates the Main Concourse. KEYWORDS/VOCABULARY & DEFINITIONS Concourse: The running or flocking together of people; the condition or state of being so gathered together. (OED) Beaux-Arts - the standards of architecture and art maintained by the École in France in the nineteenth century and early part of the twentieth century and imitated elsewhere, characterized by the influence of older styles and a reliance on decorative and period design. (OED) Electrification The action or process of converting something, esp. a railway line, to the use of electricity or to electric operation. (OED) Opal: An amorphous form of hydrated silica resembling chalcedony, often white or colourless (common opal), but varying through blue-green and orange almost to black and valued in those forms showing colourful iridescence (precious opal). (OED) Neoclassical - architecture, music, literature, etc., that is based on or influenced by classical models, or a style that has become established as classical. (OED) 6
QUESTIONS for Further RESEARCH 1. How did the invention of electricity play a role in the construction of GCT? 2. What the reason for the secret room in GCT? 3. How has GCT played a role in the media such as Tv and movies. 7