Interwoven Installation by Atelier Cho Thompson: A Vibrant Public Art Experience in New York City

Interwoven, designed by Atelier Cho Thompson, is a groundbreaking temporary installation located in the iconic Flatiron Public Plaza, New York City. Launched in 2022 after eighteen months of pandemic isolation, this 40 m² installation attracted over two million visitors during its two-month display. Celebrating the joy of reconnecting with community in public spaces, Interwoven reflects the vibrant intersection of cultures in America while paying homage to the geometric dynamism of the Flatiron Building.

Dynamic Design and Geometry

Interwoven features a series of unfolding parabolic archways that frame city views while offering spaces for rest, play, and social gathering. The installation’s design draws inspiration from both the Flatiron Building’s unique triangular geometry and the metaphorical “woven tapestry” of cultural diversity, creating a structure that is as visually striking as it is socially engaging.

Interactive Public Experience

The installation integrates an interactive system where visitors trigger synchronized lights and melodic sounds by crossing matching arches. These playful interactions encourage collaboration, enabling strangers to connect through a shared, unexpected experience. The sensor-driven lighting and audio system was designed to surprise and delight, while musicians composed original pieces specifically for the installation, synchronized with the lighting to enhance the immersive experience.

Community Engagement and Storytelling

Interwoven fosters civic engagement through its interactive story wall. Backlit papers arranged on a grid invite visitors to respond to the prompt: “I dream of a world where together we can…” These narratives create a patchwork of voices, reflecting hope and resilience. The prompt was developed by Youth Fellows from a community-led intergenerational initiative, promoting participation, reflection, and joy in public life.

Innovative and Sustainable Materials

Constructed to endure heavy public use and harsh New York winters, Interwoven uses an innovative material palette. The central bench is made from dense, anti-bacterial cork composed entirely of post-industrial recycled cork. Upper panels utilize translucent polypropylene netting, commonly applied in agriculture, while base resin panels incorporate post-consumer recycled content. The color palette—terra cotta red, moss green, and saffron yellow—offers a natural, calming aesthetic during winter months.

Environmental Responsibility

Sustainability guided the design from concept to installation. Unlike typical temporary projects discarded after use, Interwoven was designed for adaptability and reuse. All components can be easily installed, de-installed, and transported. The installation’s next location is a skate park in New Haven, Connecticut, ensuring the project continues to engage communities while minimizing environmental impact.

Legacy of Interwoven

Interwoven is more than a temporary structure—it is a vibrant public artwork blending architecture, community, and interactive design. By integrating environmental responsibility, social engagement, and material innovation, the installation demonstrates how public spaces can become dynamic platforms for connection, joy, and cultural reflection.

All photographs are works of  Martin Seck and Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership