as part of 2019?s flatiron public plaza holiday design competition, architecture studio hou de sousa has won first prize with ?ziggy? ? a sinuous light installation bursting with color. located between broadway, 5th ave and 23rd street in new york city, the pavilion celebrates the festive season with vibrant hues and playful gestures.

?ziggy? was the winning entry in this year?s flatiron public plaza holiday design competition, hosted by the flatiron/23rd street partnership and the van alen institute
all images courtesy of hou de sousa (unless otherwise stated)
 
 
built on a triangular plot, the design by hou de sousa winds itself within the tight site constraints and adopts a footprint that echoes the surrounding architecture. the installation, which is constructed from 27,000 feet of iridescent cord, invites passersby to sit, interact and take photos amid the bright lights and colorful patterns.
the project is primarily composed of rebar, paracord and zip ties
 
 
a collection of apertures and thresholds frame views of the flatiron district?s attractions and landmarks while also welcoming visitors to sit and interact with the structure. for those seeking a moment of respite, the design is accentuated by several ?upside-down gateways?, which have been upended to function as benches.

ziggy as seen from 5th avenue, looking east towards madison park
 
 
the thin linear elements that define ziggy?s porous composition are lightweight, visually transparent and impervi...