About

After having studied New York City for a number of years, my interest in Columbus Circle began soon before it reopened in 2005 and has only grown since. I have an appreciation for the circle not only because of the renovations that improved it, but also for what it has always represented: It is the center of the city at the center of the world.

I think that part of the appeal of Columbus Circle is that it is an underdog story of sorts. Having long been neglected, only to be restored in such grand fashion almost a century after it opened, the rebirth of the circle as a successful public space is nothing short of dramatic. It has finally become the southwestern gate to Central Park that Calvert and Vaux would have applauded.

Around the time Columbus Circle reopened, I had an image in my mind's eye of the circle as a literal compass. Upon closer examination of how such an installation could provide the circle with meaningful symbolism and additional functionality, as outlined in the proposal, I was inspired in February 2007 to revisit the idea. Indeed, a compass rose can be seen in some form in any number of public plazas, but none would have the same special connotations as one in Columbus Circle.

I was highly impressed with the renovated circle when I first walked through it in September 2005. The understated elegance that is the new Columbus Circle is a far cry from its cacophonous former state and leaves little room for improvement. However, I believe that the idea of the compass speaks for itself and stands on its own. It would make the circle that much more refined than it already is.

Financially, the compass rose should not be difficult to implement, and it harmonizes with the design of Olin Partnership and Vollmer Associates. Moreover, as some have observed, it would double as a sundial in conjunction with the monument.

My goal for now is simply to garner support for the idea and do what I can to direct it to those in power in city government so that it can get a fair consideration, at which point I happily entrust the idea to those whose influence and experience can make it happen. The above renderings are purely conceptual, though should this general design or a variation thereof come to pass, I believe in its potential to become a welcome addition to Columbus Circle, the Upper West Side, and New York City.

With your help, the Columbus Circle Compass will eventually punctuate the circle like a period at the end of an eloquent sentence.