Judging by other media, doubling the amount of pedestrian space on Times Sq. is the crown achievement with this hyper-urban site. But Snøhetta went much deeper than merely mastering engineering pirouettes. The design (selection of the material, it's shape and colour) is full of references to past and contemporary culture connected to the Bowtie. The dark pavement complements the artificial light from above, giving it contrast like as found in black and white noir films. The benches were inspired by old cars from those noir times and from times of the establishment of Broadway's theatre culture. Furthermore the coin-sized metal discs inserted in the pavement reflect the light from above and emphasize a kind of a 'metropolis' or 'Blade Runner' like experience. Snøhetta's homage to artificial light also comes from the fact that the street was the first in US lit with electric lights. The lack of presence and recognition of this project in professional media and over-promoted doubling of the amount of pedestrian space are in my personal opinion problematic. It's about heritage, culture, artistry, experience and yes, also the quality and quantity of pedestrian space.
Judging by other media, doubling the amount of pedestrian space on Times Sq. is the crown achievement with this hyper-urban site. But Snøhetta went much deeper than merely mastering engineering pirouettes. The design (selection of the material, it's shape and colour) is full of references to past and contemporary culture connected to the Bowtie. The dark pavement complements the artificial light from above, giving it contrast like as found in black and white noir films. The benches were inspired by old cars from those noir times and from times of the establishment of Broadway's theatre culture. Furthermore the coin-sized metal discs inserted in the pavement reflect the light from above and emphasize a kind of a 'metropolis' or 'Blade Runner' like experience. Snøhetta's homage to artificial light also comes from the fact that the street was the first in US lit with electric lights. The lack of presence and recognition of this project in professional media and over-promoted doubling of the amount of pedestrian space are in my personal opinion problematic. It's about heritage, culture, artistry, experience and yes, also the quality and quantity of pedestrian space.