Atelier Cho Thompson was the winner of the eighth annual Flatiron Public Plaza Holiday Design Competition, sponsored by the Van Alen Institute & Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership. The winning project, Interwoven, graced the Flatiron North Public Plaza on Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd Street from November 22, 2021, to January 2, 2022, providing a remarkable sight in the heart of Manhattan throughout the holiday season.
EcoSupply provided Suberra high-density cork as one of the sustainable materials used in the lower part of Interwoven installation.
Interwoven pays tribute to the thrill of encountering our community in shared spaces. Inspired by the lively geometry of intersections that shape the Flatiron Building and the interwoven tapestry of America's diverse cultures, the installation comprises an array of interactive archways. As two individuals cross paths through matching arches, synchronized lights and harmonious sounds are triggered, beckoning visitors to partake in an enjoyable shared experience. Musicians were also invited to compose pieces responding to the installation's theme, which were then combined with synchronized lighting effects in the installation.
The installation's interactive story wall, made up of backlit papers suspended on a grid, invites visitors to share their responses to the prompt: “I dream of a world where together we can…” The resulting narratives will create a patchwork of voices that document this challenging yet hopeful moment. The prompt was selected by Youth Fellows from the People’s Bus NYC, a community-led initiative that engages people in NYC’s civic life through beauty and joy.
Smart Department Fabrication, Inc. performed the fabrication and site installation.
Photos by Martin Seck, Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership
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