|
Bjarke Ingels wishes New York a Happy Valentine's Day with glowing heart artwork
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) is spreading the love in Times Square this Valentine’s Day with a glowing heart installation at Duffy Square. In place from 6th-29th February, 2012, the glimmering artwork is comprised of 400 transparent LED-lit tubes which glitter and glow as a heart-shaped sensor is activated by passing pedestrians.
Times Square Alliance selects an imaginative installation each year to grace the bustling hub of activity that is Times Square, New York, over the Valentine’s period, this year picking BIG, Flatcut, Local Projects and Zumtobel and their collaborative heart-shaped scheme.
Tim Tompkins, President of the Times Square Alliance, explains: “What better place for couples to celebrate love and public art than in the heart of Times Square - this year, we’re inviting couples from across America and New York to come to Times Square and publically declare their love in front of the beautiful ‘BIG ♥ NYC’ which will glow brighter on Valentine’s Day as a symbol of our month-long celebration of love.”
The scarlet heart-shaped light reaches 10ft high at its uppermost point and is connected to a small panel which, when touched, causes the illuminated heart to burn more brightly and ‘beat’ faster. This light is emitted through a series of acrylic tubes donated by Austrian firm Zumtobel which refract the light of Times Square and sway in the breeze giving the impression of a heartbeat. Robert Silman Associates provided the engineering for this heart-warming project.
|
