Hitting the “High Line” with HDU

08.07.2019

With iconic attractions such as the Empire State building, neon-lit Times Square, and the legendary theaters of Broadway, it’s no surprise that Manhattan is referred to as the heart of the “Big Apple”. With the thriving cultural and contemporary lifestyle, this populous area has various opportunities for imaginative projects and endeavors.

On West 20th street looking south, is the High Line of Manhattan. The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long, abandoned railroad transformed in 2009 into an artistic and landscape inspired urban park. With five million visitors per year, this repurposed estate has become one of the most inspiring attractions in the area.

“Friends of the High Line, a park maintenance organization, reached out to Timbur LLC to help with 5-axis machining of an extremely complex and organic sculptural form”, says Ania Ardolino of Timbur LLC, “a sphinx as a winged lion that protects the site against potential enemies. Equipped with motion detectors, it roars as an alarm every time it senses a human presence.”

Using their 7-axis ABB industrial robot, Timbur machined the sphinx-from the tip of the nose, through the mane, and intricately up into the wings using CORAFOAM® U60 HDU. The U60 material, was the “perfect fit” for this level of detailing while also maintaining the durability standards necessary to complete such a project. Teaming up with a combination of steel-frame fabricators, hard coat vendors and CORAFOAM®, Timbur successfully produced an incredible piece of lifelike artwork for the city’s display.

Founded in 2009, by Ezra and Ania Ardolino, Timbur LLC is an experienced and proficient digital fabrication company located in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. Using 3 and 7-axis CNC machining methods, Timbur has the technological capability to capture their client’s vision and bring it to life. With clients ranging from worldwide brands, to architects, and distinguished artists and sculptors- Timbur takes great pride and exudes immense confidence in providing the highest quality digital fabrication services for all its customers.

While a large percentage of their projects are made from wood or composites, having the accessibility to work with CORAFOAM® HDU has other significant benefits for Timbur. The developer of 50 Hudson Yards, located in New York City, contracted Timbur to do a mockup of a massive staircase for their lobby. Using HDU, “the architects were able to assess dimensions and details before investing in the final materia for the project”, says Ania Ardolino. For additional information, please visit https://timburllc.com/
 
https://www.thehighline.org/art/projects/mutations/