Client: Leo Villareal
Location: New York, NY, United States
Completion date: 2012
Artwork budget: $103,222
Project Team
Artist
Leo Villareal
FaroWorld
Other
Robert Silman Associates
Overview
Hive was officially revealed to the public this September of 2012 as part of the long-awaited Bleecker St transfer for the New York City MTA. It’s one of the more ambitious projects undertaken by the MTA’s Arts for Transit and the first LED-based artwork for the organization.
Process
The New York City subway system presents unique challenges to any installation, artwork or not. It’s a harsh environment and we learned through the course of the project that the artwork would be subject to potential hazards such as water ingress, vibration, wind loads, steel dust accumulation, graffiti, and the wildcard: late night riders that will swing from anything within reach. Working with MTA engineers and Robert Silman Associates, we developed a robust aluminum structure clad in stainless steel to support and accent the artwork.
Additional Information
To see Hive for yourself, take the Uptown 6 from Houston and Mulberry Streets, or transfer to the Uptown 6 from the B-D-F-M at Broadway-Lafayette Streets.