Hidden Foundation

This exhibition, designed for Poster House, explores the lives and sacrifices of New York City’s early 1900s construction workers individuals whose labor shaped the foundation of the modern city. Through an industrial-inspired aesthetic using black carbon steel, monochromatic typography, and structured spatial flow, the design reflects the physical and emotional weight of their work. The exhibition focuses not only on the harsh realities of their job sites but also on their diverse backgrounds, personal resilience, and lasting influence on labor rights and safety standards. It offers a powerful tribute to the human stories behind city’s skyline.

“Uncover their labor, struggle, and perseverance at 7AM; 12PM; 5PM”

Hidden Foundation honors the overlooked dedication of New York’s early 1900s construction workers. It highlights their physical labor, daily lives, and the social and economic challenges they faced. Through their routines, the exhibition reveals the human side of building a rapidly growing city. Their sacrifice laid the foundation for the New York we live and work in today.