joel fitzpatrick simulates the northern lights in lower manhattan

the downtown new york skyline is not usually known for its color. the art deco empire state building is often lit up on special occasions, but the night sky was given a truly colorful new addition this year, the likes of which NYC has never seen before. in fact, there has never been anything like it on earth — at least not this far south of the north pole. this year during NYCxDESIGN, 277 5th ave — designed by rafael viñoly — was the stage for the first man-made urban ‘northern lights’ show, titled ‘aurora’.

all the way on the top floor, between concrete columns of the unfinished skyscraper, reds blues and greens brewed above the city streets. the installation was the creation of lighting designer joel fitzpatrick, whose work has crossed every industry from art to music. now he has used his colorful touch on the city sky itself. while this display lasted until may 31st, the video above provides reference who those not lucky enough to stumble upon it themselves.