New photos of SOFTlab's kaleidoscopic "Nova" at NYC's Flatiron District

Showing off a distinct structural form and a dazzling kaleidoscopic interior underneath, "Nova" came together smoothly just in time for its public debut at New York City's Flatiron District this past Wednesday. Designed by SOFTlab, the crystalline installation is the centerpiece of the District's "23 Days of Flatiron Cheer" for the fast-approaching holiday season.

SOFTlab won the commission from the second annual Flatiron Public Plaza Holiday Design competition. As the North Star of a "constellation" of nearby NYC landmarks, Nova lures in passersby to gaze at the structures through its colorful apertures.

Nova can be found at the North Flatiron Public Plaza (at Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd Street).

Scroll down to check out the installation in its fully built glory.

"The crystalline Nova installation compels passersby to enter the structure and gaze onto Flatiron’s iconic landmarks, framed by apertures in the installation’s exterior. The placement of scopes, or viewing cones, is arranged to represent a centralized proverbial North Star for the Flatiron District, with each scope pointing to a distinct landmark.

In effect, Nova acts as an observatory for the 'constellation' of iconic sites:  the Flatiron Building, Met Life Tower clock tower, Empire State Building, and surrounding landmarks. LEDs within Nova react to sound and create a pulsating light effect when activated."

"'Using a mix of optical materials, our design creates a human scale kaleidoscope, remixing the surrounding iconic buildings with color, light, and the reflections of pedestrians,' stated Michael Szivos, Founder and Principal at SOFTlab. 'Although our design reads as an iconic and festive figure from above, the experience at the pedestrian level is very different. The exterior gives way to a crystal-like, mirror-surfaced interior that looks different from all sides.'"

All images courtesy of the Flatiron Public Plaza Holiday Design Competition.

More project images in the thumbnail gallery below.