The ‘eL’ 2019

precedent

the infrastructure of elevated train lines

authority / oppression / repetition

Inspired by the interplay of urban decay and fleeting reflections, our design captures the haunting beauty of elevated train infrastructure mirrored in the wet asphalt below. This piece is more than a mere reproduction; it is a scaled simulation of the hierarchical architecture that defines American cities, allowing you to place it wherever you see fit.  Still standing in the wake of deliberate segregation, disinvestment, and cultural erasure, especially in the wake of the streetcar's demise, we pose a critical question:

Who does this serve?

At its heart lies a tempered glass surface, precisely positioned at the center of the structure's grid-work. This glass not only reflects the bracketed trusses overhead but also serves as a metaphorical mirror, encouraging reflection on the layered histories embedded in our built environments.  Polished rods, piercing through a weathered framework, provide a dignified resting place for large format books—elevating them above the mundane, away from the icy puddles that gather below, creating a space where knowledge and reflection can coexist.

This open edition is available in custom dimensions and finishes, allowing you to tailor the experience to your own space, inviting a deeper connection to the narratives that shape our domestic landscapes.