Designers
Designers
Designers
Richard Sachs In a Fishbowl
Replicating a bike-making studio in Madison Square Park to shape a more curious, connected world
Key Words
Designers
Norma Tawil
Tanzie Mancini
Leah Mordkowitz
SUMMARY
We began by exploring what it means to master a craft and how that knowledge is shared. Through research, we found that process is often hidden, limiting public appreciation. We developed “Richard Sachs: In a Fishbowl,” a temporary glass workshop in NYC where audiences observe his bike-making in real time. We discovered that observation alone can deepen understanding and curiosity. This matters because it reframes craftsmanship as accessible, experiential knowledge rather than a finished product.
challenge
We identified a gap between master craftsmanship and public access: audiences rarely witness the process behind highly specialized work. Research on experiential learning showed observation deepens appreciation, yet most encounters prioritize finished products. For Richard Sachs, this presents an opportunity to preserve focus while sharing his practice. The Fishbowl addresses this by creating a non-intrusive, public-facing space that enables curiosity, connection, and knowledge exchange.
Outcome
The project evolved into a temporary, glass “Fishbowl” workshop placed in high-traffic NYC public spaces, allowing passersby to observe Richard Sachs building bikes in real time. This format directly addresses the gap between craftsmanship and public access by prioritizing process over product. It preserves Sachs’ need for focus while offering audiences a rare, non-intrusive way to engage, fostering curiosity, appreciation, and deeper understanding through observation.
MEET THE Designers:
Norma Tawil
Tanzie Mancini
Leah Mordkowitz