Spring 2021 - 3 weeks
Astronomy and Microbiology are two distinct professions that explore and focus on bigger matter and smaller matter, respectively. Astronomy is the study of everything in the universe beyond Earth’s atmosphere. That could include objects we can see with our naked eyes, such as the sun, the moon, and sometimes even planets. Microbiology is the other side of the coin, where studies are focused on all living organisms that are too small to be visible with the naked eye. This could include bacteria, viruses, fungi, collectively known as ‘microbes’.
In the heart of Providence, RI, a duplex of two unique apartments takes place for two very distinct professionals, a Microbiologist and an Astronomer. Adam, 49, graduated from Roger Williams University in 1996 with a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences. Adam is currently working remotely with “Moderna”, a biotechnology company, where he is the lead scientist in developing and researching different vaccines for different COVID variants. Adam’s two-story apartment includes a laboratory to conduct his research. The facades of his respective apartment have punctured holes to imitate a cell’s microscopic texture. Adam is an introvert and will be more likely to engage in conversations about his work than anything else.
Adam’s neighbor, Eve, 54, graduated from Harvard University in 1989 with a Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics. Eve is currently working remotely with NASA in the Astrophysics branch. Eve specializes in Observational Astronomy, where she has experience with a variety of telescopic equipment throughout her career. In her five-story apartment, Eve has access to a roof top Observatory, where she explores the stars and the galaxies late at night. Her apartment is more luminous compared to her neighbor, where most spaces receive direct sunlight. Eve is a very outgoing person and loves to talk about history as well as her respective profession.
Within the duplex, there is a unique space for both scientists to come together to discuss and share their work. The Enlightenment Chamber initiates discussions and thoughts about both scientist’s hard work. Located on the Third Floor, the chamber is an essential piece of architecture for the scientists to thrive. Similar to the Enlightenment Chamber, the Enlightenment Vessel, which is incorporated into a high-rise tower, is an accessible elevator that rises to key floors in the duplex. The Enlightenment Vessel is the most intriguing on the third floor because its surface area adds up to the already existing Enlightenment Chamber, which further expands the circle of knowledge that this room holds.
