From striking new structures to housing innovations and delightful additions to public parks, NYC has seen a lot of new architecture this year. Curbed put together a list of some of the most grand, interesting, strange and impressive developments; the Oculus, the “biggest head scratcher” (Williamsburg’s William Vale Hotel) and our favorite: the New York Public Library’s subtle but beautiful refurbishment of the sublime Rose …
1. The Principals’ Sound Journeys Using field recordings documented by Chris Watson (the guy behind all of David Attenborough’s intoxicating wildlife documentaries), Brooklyn-based design studio The Principals recently created an interactive journey that guides visitors through the sounds of the natural world. Participants walk through three distinct aural zones—forest, canyon and sea—as sound elements like winds gusting across Norwegian islands or seals singing in Antarctica …
Oftentimes art needs to be seen in person to have the desired gravitas, but even in pictures, these incredible installations are mind-blowing. From Yayoi Kusama covering Philip Johnson’s iconic glass house with red polka-dots, to pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi performing on a floating installation in the middle of the arctic ocean, and the gorgeous rainbow creation by Ugo Rondinone, these are sights to behold. …
