Detailed black-and-white ink illustration depicting a cityscape with tall, partially complete central scaffolded tower surrounded by construction cranes and shorter buildings.

David Macaulay

Design for Unbuilding

Maker

David Macaulay (American, b. 1946 in England ), (RISD BA 1969, Architecture; RISD Faculty 1974-1998)

Title

Design for Unbuilding
Unbuilding

Year

1980

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

pen and ink

Supports

Dimensions

54.6 x 69.2 cm (21 1/2 x 27 1/4 inches)

Signature / Inscription / Marks

Signed and dated in ink in LR:David Maccaulay ' 80

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Gift of Cynthia and Scott Burns

Object Number

81.262

Type

Exhibition History

Draw Me a Story
Illustration from the Permanent Collection
Apr 14, 2006 – Jul 23, 2006

Label copy

David Macaulay was trained as an architect at RISD and published his first book, Cathedral, in 1975. His architectural books are the result of a lengthy process of intensive research, travel, and on-site study. Macaulay’s Unbuilding recounts the imaginary de-construction of the Empire State Building in Manhattan for reinstallation in the Arabian Desert. In its place, Macaulay proposes the construction of a city park, with the building’s mooring mast installed in the center. This drawing depicts the final stage of the park construction with the mast.

Image use

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In copyright This object is in copyright

Tombstone

David Macaulay (American, b. 1946 in England )
Design for Unbuilding; Unbuilding, 1980
Pen and ink, graphite
54.6 x 69.2 cm (21 1/2 x 27 1/4 inches)
Gift of Cynthia and Scott Burns 81.262

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