Place Sett(l)ing: Governors Island
Ann Dinh
2026 Summer Residency
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Governors Island is a testing ground for creating artifacts that embody identity, memory, and place. As a hybrid landscape—both natural and constructed—it exists in a constant state of transformation, shaped by military history, landmaking, and everyday life. Personally, my hyphenated identity as a Vietnamese American would not have occurred without U.S. Military actions and influences. Being in a landscape with deep military roots has caused feelings of unease. While its monumental past is significant, Place Sett(l)ing draws from the quieter rhythms that reveal how people inhabit the Island today. It is the meals and mundane moments that we share that should be celebrated.
Place Sett(l)ing explores how places hold history and invite curiosity, how that manifests itself through materials. During the IPA Summer Residency, the work focuses on eggshells and oyster shells, biomaterials with distinct relationships to the Island. Oyster shells have been ever-present on the island, where the indigenous people, the Leni Lennape, harvested oysters for meals of celebration. After years of overharvesting causing near extinction within NYC waters, the restoration of oysters and their habitats is occurring through efforts rooted on the Island. Eggs have been present on the island through colonial efforts, with the island being used for pastures, breeding, and hunting livestock. Chickens currently roost in the urban farming sites. Both oyster shells and egg shells are transported to the island for either consumption or post-processing. Both are sources of calcium carbonate, a key ingredient within “bio-ceramics”. Biomaterial-based ceramics are air-dried pieces that will decompose easily. Embracing their ability to disintegrate, the objects are designed for temporary rituals such as shared meals and communal gatherings.
Through its form, Place Sett(l)ing plays with the terms “mise en place” - putting into place, “terroir” - the sense of place through the terrain, and “merrior” - the sense of place through the sea. It is reminiscent of its references - function, form, and material - but is shaped by the lens of Governors Island, the experience of time, celebrating impermanence while fostering reflection and connection.
The hope is to continue this project through different collaborations at different locations, seeing how the project evolves based on material shifts and programmatic changes.
Place Sett(l)ing explores how places hold history and invite curiosity, how that manifests itself through materials. During the IPA Summer Residency, the work focuses on eggshells and oyster shells, biomaterials with distinct relationships to the Island. Oyster shells have been ever-present on the island, where the indigenous people, the Leni Lennape, harvested oysters for meals of celebration. After years of overharvesting causing near extinction within NYC waters, the restoration of oysters and their habitats is occurring through efforts rooted on the Island. Eggs have been present on the island through colonial efforts, with the island being used for pastures, breeding, and hunting livestock. Chickens currently roost in the urban farming sites. Both oyster shells and egg shells are transported to the island for either consumption or post-processing. Both are sources of calcium carbonate, a key ingredient within “bio-ceramics”. Biomaterial-based ceramics are air-dried pieces that will decompose easily. Embracing their ability to disintegrate, the objects are designed for temporary rituals such as shared meals and communal gatherings.
Through its form, Place Sett(l)ing plays with the terms “mise en place” - putting into place, “terroir” - the sense of place through the terrain, and “merrior” - the sense of place through the sea. It is reminiscent of its references - function, form, and material - but is shaped by the lens of Governors Island, the experience of time, celebrating impermanence while fostering reflection and connection.
The hope is to continue this project through different collaborations at different locations, seeing how the project evolves based on material shifts and programmatic changes.
COLLABORATORS/SUPPORT
Pratt Institute, School of Architecture
Pratt Institute, School of Design
Pratt Institute Architecture Production Facilities
Material Contributors:
Billion Oyster Project
Earth Matter
Six Coasts Restaurant and Bar
Tokyo Drumstick
Makina Cafe
Pratt Institute, School of Design
Pratt Institute Architecture Production Facilities
Material Contributors:
Billion Oyster Project
Earth Matter
Six Coasts Restaurant and Bar
Tokyo Drumstick
Makina Cafe
People
