Bead Maze installation brings childlike whimsy to Union Square
The interactive installation Bead Maze, drawing inspiration from the traditional children's toy, has been unveiled in University Plaza at Union Square. This initiative is a joint effort involving Scale Rule, seven students from the Fashion Institute of Technology, architects from Grimshaw, and engineers from Schlaich Bergermann Partner. The sculpture comprises three sinuous steel pipes, varying in height from three to twelve feet, and covers a footprint of 350 square feet. Visitors can slide plywood beads along blue and purple pipes, with an orange acrylic bead positioned at the peak of the tallest path. The Union Square Partnership and NYC DOT Art oversaw the project, with design led by seven FIT School of Art and Design seniors, supported by Scale Rule and Brooklyn's A05 studio for fabrication. Funding was partly supplied by FIT Foundation Board member Bob Fisch. Bead Maze will remain accessible until November.
Key facts
- Bead Maze is an interactive installation in Union Square's University Plaza.
- It is a collaboration between Scale Rule, seven FIT students, Grimshaw, and Schlaich Bergermann Partner.
- The sculpture consists of three curving steel pipes from 3 to 12 feet tall.
- The installation occupies a 350-square-foot footprint.
- Visitors can move plywood beads along blue and purple pipes.
- A signature orange acrylic bead sits atop the tallest pipe.
- The project was coordinated by Union Square Partnership and NYC DOT Art.
- Funding was provided by FIT Foundation Board member Bob Fisch.
Entities
Artists
- Ryan Michael Johnson
- Dan Bergsagel
- Julie Stein
- Bob Fisch
Institutions
- Scale Rule
- Fashion Institute of Technology
- Grimshaw
- Schlaich Bergermann Partner
- Union Square Partnership
- New York City Department of Transportation’s Art Program
- A05 studio
- FIT Foundation
Locations
- Union Square
- University Plaza
- New York City
- Brooklyn