2026

The Grove

MFA Project, SVA

What if moving through a public space became a more intentional, communal act?

In a time where our bodies often move on autopilot between seats and screens, The Grove is a space for presence. Navigating the elevated paths requires attention, moving us out of our heads and into our bodies, activating the mind-body connection. The shared vulnerability of balancing and engaging in simple movements in a public space encourages natural interaction between friends and strangers. 

Instructors: Sigi Moeslinger, Masamichi Udagawa  |  Teammates: Mallika Rao, Lauren Wedderburn, Rhea Punjabi

The Brief

Designed for SVA's Intervention Interaction course, the brief called for a temporary public installation occupying one or more parking spots in front of the SVA building. The intervention needed to activate the street, encourage interaction between students across departments, and connect SVA to the Flatiron neighborhood.

SVA parking lot (via Google Maps)

The Solution

The Grove is a modular balance installation built from plywood beams at varying heights, abstracted water zones, and vertical tree forms. Visitors navigate independently, with the shared vulnerability of balancing in public encouraging interaction. Elements reconfigure independently, allowing the system to adapt to different spatial constraints and create new challenges with each arrangement.

Modular elements reconfigure independently, creating a flexible system

Sketching

2D and 3D sketching—thinking via handwork—was integral to the ideation process.

Monochromatic paper model

Colored paper model

Initial sketches

Site plan showing installation within parking spot footprint

Water zones feature vinyl typography prompting embodiment exercises. These prompts invite physical engagement beyond balancing and forward movement, allowing multiple users to occupy and activate the same space simultaneously.

Jigsaw (pictured: Lauren)

Construction

Beams were CNC-routed and hand-finished, with curved sections cut by jigsaw and edges sanded smooth. Shop-built plywood I-beams were drilled directly to the beam surface and tested for stability before painting.

CNC Router

Sanding the hand-routed edges

Attaching the support system to the beam surface

The execution

The Grove was installed in the parking space for an afternoon and exhibited in the SVA PoD Gallery. Some preferred to use the beams as seats — unintended, but consistent with the installation's invitation to occupy space differently.

Water zones with vinyl movement prompts

The shared vulnerability of balancing in public creates natural congregation

Exhibition in the SVA PoD Gallery