Governor's Island NY Governor’s Island has become something of a play place for the city’s design inclined. This years challenge was for designers to envision installations that provide at least 50 visitors a shaded retreat with a net-zero ecological footprint. The artists and architects must also consider the entire life cycle of the materials to be used in their proposals. This is one of 2 winning entries; Organic Growth by Izaskun Chinchilla Architects
On every September 11th since 2001, the Municipal Art Society has shone two beams of bright lights skyward from Manhattan's Financial District. Known as the Tribute of Light. Each year, more than 10,000 birds flew into the beams and got trapped, unable to fly away. Because they are in their fall migration, the birds could be depleting crucial fat stores by flying endlessly in the light beams, unable to get away and continue their journey south. New York City Audubon has kept an eye on the light tribute, and when they saw the gathering of helpless birds, let the Municipal Art Society know so they could shut down the beams (Migratory birds are protected by federal law).
This annual display is one of the most powerful and healing works of public art ever produced. After more than a decade the majestic blue twin beams shine from dusk on September 11, through dawn the next day. They are visible within a sixty-mile radius on a clear night. Tribute In Lights has become a world-renowned icon of remembrance, honoring those who were lost, as well as those who worked so hard to get our city through that terrible trial.
