Elsa Ponce's The Bower: A Temporary Shade Structure for NYC's Summer Streets

In August, Foley Square in New York City underwent a transformation during the NYCDOT's Summer Streets event, featuring The Bower, a temporary installation by architect and educator Elsa Ponce. This structure operated daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. between August 8 and 15, aimed at enhancing urban livability and providing shade as temperatures rise. The nomadic installation also appeared on Park Avenue, consisting of inflatable pale purple lobes that resembled clouds, supported by slender steel poles with chalk-filled baskets at their bases. Visitors were invited to trace the shadows on the ground with chalk, creating an interactive experience that reflected the sun's movement. Designed for quick assembly and disassembly, The Bower could fit into a standard van without needing specialized tools. Ponce, who leads Studio Elsa Ponce and is a co-founder of the recently closed WIP Collaborative, focused on serving vulnerable groups—children, seniors, outdoor workers, and those lacking air conditioning—by emphasizing shade as a vital urban feature. This project highlights the necessity of shade in public areas as cities confront increasing temperatures.