build manhattan one tile at a time with microscape 1:5000 model
all images courtesy of microscape

 

 

 

‘microscape’ is a joint venture between new york city-based architecture & design firms AJSNY and TO+WN design. the studios have created a detailed scan of their home base — manhattan — and translated the data into a 1:5000 scale 3D printed model. originally conceived as large scale decorative elements for commercial buildings, the team quickly realized the potential for mass appeal.

build manhattan one tile at a time with microscape 1:5000 model
each tile is labeled to help identify location in relation to other pieces

 

 

 

the first phase — currently available for pre-order on kickstarter here — includes a series of 200 individual tiles that compose the entire borough of manhattan. fully assembled the tiles form a 3.5ft by 12ft model. the planned retail price of each 6” x 6” tiles is $US125 dollars — for a total full-set cost of over $US20,000 — but early backers can claim a tile for roughly half price. 

 

microscape city model AJSNY TO plus WN design
a close-up image showing the high level of detail in each model 

microscapedesignboom01
microscape tiles can be displayed individually or collected for a larger array 

microscape city model AJSNY TO plus WN design
buildings currently under construction are modeled including the hudson yards development to show the constantly changing face of the city 

build manhattan one tile at a time with microscape 1:5000 model
three tiles connect and include landmarks including the chrysler building, the empire state building and madison square garden

build manhattan one tile at a time with microscape 1:5000 model
microscape city models are designed for anyone with an appreciation for the city, both old and young 

microscape city model AJSNY TO plus WN design
future phases of the project include expansions to the other boroughs of new york and to other cities beond 

microscapedesignboom03
a collection of the tiles assembled is reminiscent of the recent blizzard that blanketed the city

build manhattan one tile at a time with microscape 1:5000 model
approximately 200 microscape tiles make up the entire island of manhattan 

microscape city model AJSNY TO plus WN design
a close-up image showing the empire state building and its immediate surroundings

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions  feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: nick brink | designboom