For me the most important reason for developing the SS United States is simply to preserve its iconic form. In other words, it's all about the view -- the elegant lines, the breathtaking scale and the bold no-nonsense colors. But this is no trivial matter. Whether she travels the sea or rests at a city pier, this ship still has the power to transport those on board and particularly those who see and approach her from a distance.
Once the fastest ocean liner in the world, built to carry presidents, movie stars and ten-year-old kids like me, just the appearance of the SS United States remains a powerful reminder of American ingenuity, vision, and skill while at the same time sparking imagination and inspiring dreams yet to be realized.In this sketch I returned to the simplicity of the ship's exterior to hint at the juxtaposition of this “horizontal” skyscraper against a dynamic urban context and possible port of call.