Manhattan’s urban heat-island effect, based on NASA’s infrared satellite data, inspires Brooklyn-based artist Molly Dilworth to update the streetscape design at the Times Square pedestrian plazas with through some temporary treatments. Dubbed as ‘Cool Water, Hot Island’, the proposed design was adjudged as the winner of the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT)’s design competition.
Done in blues and light hues, the design – so very suggestive of a river flowing through the center of Time Square – absorbs less heat and reflects more sunlight to counterbalance the gaudy billboards of the area. While the new design will be installed by mid-July, the major reconstruction will begin in 2012.
