PANGAEA: Return to the Supercontinent

Before the formation of continents 300 million years ago, our world is believed to have existed as a single supercontinent known as Pangaea. In the Fall 2011 design studio called "Offshore Cities," Pangaea provided a compelling reference for the design of a city as a single unified mass. Pangaea offers an alternative socio-economic model for a city through physical unification. It is comprised of tapered towers and elevated paths that provide infinite networks, valuing proximity and expedient connections. The contoured physical model was constructed using three-dimensional parametric modeling software. Through research on pattern and the Fibonacci spiral, a script was developed to manipulate the mathematical equation to form a three-dimensional form appropriate for the design of the city. This virtual model was transformed into a physical model through laser cutting technologies and the patient layering of chipboard for a high-resolution experience.