of
The Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership and Van Alen Institute have unveiled the dynamic LED and mirror-paneled New York Light installation in front of the famed Flatiron Building for the 2014 winter holiday season. Designed by INABA, New York Light was selected as the winner of the first-ever Flatiron Plaza Holiday Design Competition in September.
The Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership Business Improvement District, formed in 2006, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance the area's reputation as one of New York's most vital and exciting neighbourhoods.
New York Light illuminates the North Public Plaza - at Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd Street - as a backdrop for events, and gives visitors a special view of the Flatiron building and the Madison Square skyline this season. The design is the result of a collaboration between the Brooklyn-based INABA, bengal.fierro, Tillotson Design Associates, Robert Silman Associates, Walsh Electrical Contracting Inc., DLC, International Lights, Crestron, Bartco Lighting, and Naho Kubota.
Created to echo the plaza’s namesake building, the installation frames the Flatiron Building to its south. At the other end, the steel tube installation faces north along Broadway, opening up to outline a view of the Empire State Building. Reflective panels hang from the artwork so visitors standing inside can see these views bordered by partial reflections of the plaza’s surroundings. At night, twinkling LEDs illuminate the installation to create dramatic vantage points, inviting opportunities for photos with the city in the background.
“The Flatiron Plaza is one of the few places where it’s possible to truly experience the magnificence of Manhattan’s urban plan. And it’s a unique spot in the heart of the city where the sky and skyline can be seen from street level,” said Jeffrey Inaba, Founder of INABA. “The installation is meant to be a place to take in these qualities, as well as to appreciate all of the street activity day and night through its many reflective panels.”
"We’re very interested in the way public art can transform a familiar landscape into a new way for people to experience the city,” added Tomer Bengal and Carlos Fierro, Partners at bengal.fierro. “When we saw the design for this installation, we knew we wanted to be part of it. We were excited by the challenge of devising a fabrication solution that would blend the piece into the environment. The ultimate result is an installation of mirror-polished components that reflect the city in a dazzling kaleidoscope of light and colour. It’s a lively addition to the Flatiron District this holiday season and we’re proud to be part of it.”