Through the Contractor’s Lens

As architects, we are constantly looking forward to a building’s completion; we want to see the finished project as we’ve imagined it all along. But during construction, there are moments when the underlying rhythm and rigor of the building are truly exposed, such as when the structural frame is nearing completion or the exterior facades are taking shape. These periods can actually reveal more about the design intent than the finished product.

Contractors see these pieces of the construction process that are often overshadowed by the big picture of the finished product. They can offer unique vantage points, whether they are documenting a typical day’s work or a detail or material that is unique to that project. Some of the most dynamic images from the construction site are taken by contractors tethered to steel sections or from six-story high facades.

The photos below were taken by the contractors who are working on the 75-125 Binney Street project and shared via Instagram. These images find the beauty in the momentary voids and spaces created along the way.