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Swiveling Mirrors, Immense Hammock, Raised Platforms Heading to MoMA PS1’s Courtyard This Summer

A rendering of “Hide & Seek” by Dream The Combine and ARUP.

March 7, 2018 By Nathaly Pesantez

An interactive installation to be built at MoMA PS1’s courtyard this summer will feature a large hammock, long walkable platforms and huge, swiveling mirrors.

The installation, called “Hide & Seek,” was chosen by the museum as the winner of its Young Architects Program earlier this week. The program helps emerging architects design a temporary, outdoor installation for the museum, which must provide shade, seating and water, among other features.

The construction of the mostly steel structure will open in June 2018, and will provide the backdrop for MoMA PS1’s outdoor music series.

The project, designed by Minneapolis-based artists Jennifer Newsom and Tom Carruthers of artistic partnership Dream The Combine and engineering consultant ARUP, includes inward facing mirrors on a swivel that can move by wind or when touched. Visitors will also be able to sit, walk, and dance on maze-like raised platforms. A large-scale hammock is also set to be installed in the courtyard.

At night, the crowds at the musical events will be able to see artificial clouds with lights above them.

The creators say the design was inspired by the contemporary city, the street, and crowds. The large moving mirrors, for example, will create the stunning visual effect of an ever-moving courtyard. The layout encourages visitors to improvise as they move around the platforms.

“In recent years, Long Island City has become more vertical,” said Klaus Biesenbach, MoMA PS1 Director and MoMA Chief Curator at Large, in a statement. “With this project, MoMA PS1 will engage horizontally, inviting the neighborhood and our diverse audience to participate in and engage with our programs at eye level.”

“Hide & Seek” was one of five finalists for the 19th year of the Young Architects Program.

The installation will remain on view through the summer.