︎ Tags: GSAPP, models, 2019

The project intends to compare the spatial implications of Vauban’s fortresses to the Maginot line. Looking at their scale, both, horizontality and verticality, we hope to analyze their sectional qualities through the lenses of their use by the military, and interface with civilians. By making two physical, sectional models - one of the fortress of Neuf Brisach and one of the Ouvrage Hackenberg along the Maginot Line - we hope to illustrate similarities in use of earthwork, secrecy, blindspots and the element of surprise. We question whether the two have inherently different fortification strategies, or if their differences are due solely to the different time periods, or changes in military technology. With the use of model photography, we can highlight the perspectives, sightlines, and blindspots, illustrating the spatial implications for both attacker and besieged, while also showing the inner workings of the fortifications.