Celebrating Community: Interwoven Installation in New York City

The Interwoven installation, a creation by Atelier Cho Thompson, graced the iconic Flatiron Public Plaza in New York City, drawing the attention of over two million passersby during its two-month exhibition. Conceived amidst the challenges of the pandemic, Interwoven symbolizes the joy of reconnecting with the community in shared public spaces. Inspired by the intricate geometry of the Flatiron Building and the diverse cultural fabric of America, the installation comprises a series of unfolding parabolic archways. These archways frame captivating vistas of the city while providing spaces for relaxation, interaction, and communal gatherings.

Interactive Engagement

At the heart of Interwoven lies an interactive experience that engages visitors in a playful and communal journey. As individuals traverse matching arches, synchronized lights and melodious sounds are activated, encouraging visitors to partake in a shared moment of joy. Whether groups intentionally trigger the music together or chance encounters activate the sensors, the installation fosters unique connections among strangers in a public setting. A sensor system intricately woven through the structure orchestrates this enchanting and serendipitous encounter. Moreover, musicians were invited to compose original pieces inspired by the installation’s theme, which were then synchronized with lighting effects within the space.

Fostering Community Dialogue

Complementing the interactive elements is the installation’s story wall, a grid of backlit papers inviting visitors to share their aspirations for a better world. Responding to the prompt “I dream of a world where together we can…,” visitors contributed narratives reflecting the challenges and hopes of the present moment. This collective storytelling initiative, curated by Youth Fellows from a community-led initiative, serves as a testament to the power of shared expression in shaping civic dialogue and fostering social cohesion.

Innovative Design and Sustainability

Interwoven showcases innovative design and sustainable practices, incorporating a diverse palette of materials designed to withstand heavy usage and harsh New York winters. Common materials are reimagined in unconventional ways, such as the central bench crafted from dense, anti-bacterial cork made from recycled cork grain. Translucent polypropylene netting and base resin panels, composed of post-consumer recycled content, further contribute to the installation’s environmentally conscious ethos. The structure’s vibrant holiday hues, including terra cotta red, moss green, and saffron yellow, evoke a sense of warmth and tranquility amidst the urban landscape.

Environmental Considerations

In addition to its sustainable material choices, Interwoven was meticulously designed to have a post-exhibition afterlife. Rather than ending up in a landfill, the components were crafted for easy installation and disassembly, with adaptable connections allowing for relocation to different sites. Currently, efforts are underway to relocate Interwoven to a new skate park in New Haven, Connecticut, further extending its impact and sustainability beyond its initial exhibition.

Interwoven stands as a testament to the power of art and design to foster community engagement, inspire dialogue, and promote sustainable practices in the built environment.