Submitted by WA Contents

Hou de Sousa created a kaleidoscopic installation that filters light with vibrant hues in New York

United States Architecture News - Dec 03, 2019 - 15:47   10706 views

Hou de Sousa created a kaleidoscopic installation that filters light with vibrant hues in New York

New York-based architecture, art, and design studio Hou de Sousa has created a kaleidoscopic installation that filters light with vibrant hues in front of the Flatiron Public Plaza in New York. 

Called Ziggy, the installation was built as part of the Flatiron Public Plaza Holiday Design Competition held by The Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership in collaboration with the Van Alen Institute. Ziggy is situated at the North Flatiron Public Plaza at Broadway, Fifth Avenue and 23rd Streets as the centerpiece of the Partnership’s annual “23 Days of Flatiron Cheer” programming.

Installed as a winning entry for the sixth annual Flatiron Public Plaza Holiday Design Competition, the installation was opened to the public on November 15, 2019 and will be on view until January 1, 2020. 

Hou de Sousa created a kaleidoscopic installation that filters light with vibrant hues in New York

"Ziggy celebrates the holiday season with vibrant hues and playful gestures," said Hou de Sousa. 

"Located between Broadway, 5th Ave and 23rd Street, the project softly ricochets between the narrow bounds of its triangular site, effectively echoing the urban and architectural context while establishing a broad structural footprint." 

Hou de Sousa created a kaleidoscopic installation that filters light with vibrant hues in New York

Made up of a collection of apertures and thresholds, the installation frames views of the Flatiron District’s many attractions and landmarks while also welcoming visitors and allowing for a steady stream of locals to pass by unimpeded. For those seeking a moment of respite, the design is accentuated by several “gateways” which have been upended to serve as benches. 

The studio used very thin linear elements that define Ziggy’s porous composition are lightweight, visually transparent and impervious to wind. As one encounters the piece, its 27,000 feet of iridescent cord visually converges and dynamically filters the surrounding context with shifting colors, patterns and light. Ziggy is a kaleidoscopic beacon, designed for the people of New York.

Hou de Sousa created a kaleidoscopic installation that filters light with vibrant hues in New York

Hou de Sousa worked with engineers at Schlaich Bergermann Partner as well as A05 Studio to fabricate the steel structure.

The installation softly ricochets between the narrow bounds of its triangular site, echoing the urban and architectural context, and the thin linear elements that define its porous composition are lightweight, visually transparent, and impervious to wind. 

"Ziggy is a polyvalent creature that strings together gateways, apertures, and seating," described Josh de Sousa, Principal & Co-Founder of Hou de Sousa. 

"This porous wall welcomes folks arriving from all directions while ringing in the holiday season with a flourish of color and light."

Hou de Sousa created a kaleidoscopic installation that filters light with vibrant hues in New York

Hou de Sousa is a New York-based architecture, art, and design studio focused on culturally progressive and environmentally responsible projects that foster public engagement and creativity. 

Over the past two years, Nancy Hou and Josh de Sousa’s office has won open competitions and RFP’s hosted by Google; Friends of the High Line; Georgetown BID; Socrates Sculpture Park; Dupont Underground; the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism; and the Architectural League of New York.

All images © Cameron Blaylock

> via Hou de Sousa