Times Square Arts and J. Mayer H. inaugurated XXX TIMES SQUARE WITH LOVE, three X-shaped outdoor loungers custom designed for Times Square, each of which can accommodate up to four people who can literally lie back, stare up and send a snapshot of either themselves of the mix of signs and sky above them.

Context

Originally inspired by the “X”-like intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue that forms Times Square, the loungers are the first specially-commissioned ongoing street furniture for the new Times Square plazas.

Each “X” of “XXX TIMES SQUARE WITH LOVE” can accommodate up to four people, with each leg of the “X” serving as an almost-horizontal lounger that allows people to lie down and enjoy a totally different – and more leisurely — perspective than the bustling plazas of Times Square. They can relax with a book from the new Strand book kiosk or, using the hashtag #TSqXXX, they can share their love on social media, tag friends, and send them “XXX TIMES SQUARE WITH LOVE!”

The unveiling took place on Wednesday, August 24th, 2016 at 11:00 am on the Broadway Pedestrian Plaza between 43rd and 44th streets.

Juergen Mayer H., Artist, said, “Lying down on XXX allows for a completely different perception of Times Square and its media presence. The view goes vertical while you are broadcast via many of the public webcams of Times Square looking down on you. And besides your new perspective on the skyline, you might want to snap a selfie of yourself relaxing to share your XXX with friends and family”

Kevin Davey, Principal Creative Strategies of UAP North America, said, “Jürgen’s amazing design required the fabrication of comfortable, precise elements, that people could lay in, while being suitable for the Times Square environment. Durability and beauty go hand in hand and cannot be compromised. UAP (Urban Art Projects) is excited and grateful to have worked with Jürgen, his team, and all at Times Square.”

Tim Tompkins, President of the Times Square Alliance, said, “Mayer H. delivered for us a striking and original street furniture design that not only references Times Square’s X-rated history, but also offers users a very different way of looking at and sharing a place that, on average, is posted on Instagram no fewer than 17,000 times a day. In pedestrian plazas that can be overwhelming at times, XXX offers a clever and calming way to experience them that is new, while referencing the old.”

Sherry Dobbin, Times Square Arts Director, said, “J. Mayer H. is at the fore of architecture and design that references our historic identity and suggests a contemporary way to engage with our public spaces embracing our relationship to technology. He has given us a way to drink in the signs and presents a view of the office-workers and hotel guests in the towers above. Why would we want ordinary street furniture in the futuristic landscape of Times Square?”

XXX TIMES SQUARE WITH LOVE is an ongoing addition to our streetscape and perfect for taking in the good weather.

Details:

Inauguration: August 2016,

Location: Times Square NYC, Broadway Pedestrian Plazas

Commissioned by Times Square Arts, Director Sherry Dobbin

J. MAYER H. und Partner, Architekten

Partner in charge: Jürgen Mayer H.
Project architect: Wilko Hoffmann

Project team: Paul Konrad, Mi Na Bae, Fabrizio Silvano

Awards:

• Architizer A+ Awards, Finalist, 2017

• AIANY Design Awards, Honorable Merit, 2017

Media Contacts:

Times Square Arts: 

TJ Witham, 212.452.5234 [email protected]

Marisa Wayne, 212.843.9216 [email protected]

About J.MAYER H.

J. MAYER H. und Partner, Architekten is an international award winning Berlin based architecture firm with projects at the intersection of architecture, communication, and new technology. From urban planning schemes and buildings, to installation work and objects with new materials, the relationship between the human body, technology, and nature form the background for a new production of space.

About Times Square Arts:

Times Square Arts, the public art program of the Times Square Alliance, collaborates with contemporary artists and cultural institutions to experiment and engage with one of the world’s most iconic urban places. Through the Square’s electronic billboards, public plazas, vacant areas and popular venues, and the Alliance’s own online landscape, Times Square Arts invites leading contemporary creators to help the public see Times Square in new ways. Times Square has always been a place of risk, innovation and creativity, and the Arts Program ensures these qualities remain central to the district’s unique identity. Generous support of Times Square Arts is provided by ArtPlace America and ArtWorks. Visit TimesSquareNYC.org/Arts for more information. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @TSqArts.

About UAP

URBAN ART PROJECTS is acknowledged as a leader in the field of public art and design solutions with an impressive list of awards and clients on a global scale. Established in 1993 by Matthew and Daniel Tobin, the practice has grown significantly to offer an international service for creative projects working with clients in Australia, China, the Middle East and North America. UAP offers a unique turn-key approach to commissioning large-scale artwork and creative design solutions, providing low-risk solutions for clients though our company’s three streams of Studio, Factory and Supply. www.uapcompany.com