The charitable organization, Open House New York (OHNY), offers the public a chance to step into some of New York City’s most influential buildings and sites guided by designers, historians and public figures. Through the unparalleled access that it enables, OHNY deepens our understanding of the importance of architecture and urban design to foster a more vibrant civic life and catalyze a citywide conversation about how to build a better New York.
Commissioned by OHNY, “Five Boroughs” is a CNC milled aluminum canopy first used in the Union Square Market as a site information kiosk that depicts the hundreds of sites that have opened their doors since the charity began in 2003. The canopy is visually impactful whether looking from above or below, communicating the scope of OHNY endeavors of offering an extraordinary opportunity to experience the city and meet the people who design, build, and preserve New York. From historic to contemporary, residential to industrial, hundreds of sites across the five boroughs are open to visit with tours, talks, performances and other special events taking place over the course of the Weekend.
The canopy / kiosk acted as a lesson on geography, new sites can be added to the aluminum each year, as well as a feat for understanding the stability of aluminum, and the tools by which aluminum can be crafted. It was an opportunity for a group of young people to work as a team with a client for the first time, to hone in on a relevant program that is both educational and functional from year to year for the charity.
Illuminated by the sun, the canopy is a graphically displays visual each site. It is a compelling representation of how OHNY operates inside the city and celebrates the 5 borough-ness of its mission.
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