'flatiron reflection' unveiled as immersive bundle of shimmering tubes in new york

the ‘flatiron/23rd street partnership business improvement district’, a non-profit organization which focuses on community enhancement projects, and the van alen institute have partnered to help realize the ‘flatiron reflection’. the project is the winning design for the fourth-annual ‘flatiron plaza holiday design competition’, in partnership with new york city DOT (department of transportation) art program. the highly visible centerpiece was designed by brooklyn-based firm future expansion to serve as a public art intervention for the bustling destination.

all images by noah kalina

‘flatiron reflection’ was selected by a jury of design and public art experts, including representatives from the flatiron partnership, new york city DOT art, and van alen institute’s board of trustees. the shimmering installation — situated on the flatiron north public plaza at the intersection of 23rd street, broadway and fifth avenue — will be on view and open to the public through january 1, 2018.

‘flatiron reflection’ was selected by a jury of design and public art experts

the project takes the form of a bundle of shimmering tubes, creating a fragmented column at the scale of the public plaza. the fluted perimeter offers niches that can be occupied, while a panoramic central space opens out like a stage into the plaza. the conical interior form cuts out the visual noise of the city to isolate the image of the flatiron building and its neighbors on the skyline.

the installation is designed to be experienced at a variety of scales 

‘the installation is designed for three scales of experience’, explains the future expansion design team. ‘the deeply creased exterior makes spaces for individuals; the interior room offers an intimate panorama for small groups; and the north-facing wedge presents a platform toward the plaza. we hope that the installation opens new possibilities for interaction and experiences while reinforcing the pure public essence of the site.‘

the project takes the form of a bundle of shimmering, reflective tubes

as the lighting conditions change around the piece, the color of the tubes changes 

the interior room offers an intimate panorama for small groups

the work will be on view until january 1, 2018

the north-facing wedge presents a platform toward the plaza

the installation encourages the public to engage with the immersive environment