Columbus Circle Compass

News

2008-08-30T17:55:00.002-07:00

2/16/09 - Facebook group created.

8/30/08 - Page recreated on Blogger.

4/21/07 - Commissioner Benepe of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation sent a letter at Mayor Bloomberg's request reaffirming that, despite potential obstacles, the idea will be discussed with Olin Partnership.

3/19/07 - Assistant Commissioner Doleyres of the New York City Department of Design and Construction sent an email stating that the department has forwarded this recommendation to the Central Park Conservancy as well as Olin Partnership for their consideration.

2/28/07 - Petition created.

2/25/07 - Original web site created.

Proposal

2008-08-30T16:51:00.001-07:00

This proposal submits that one further installation on Columbus Circle would provide additional utility and significance to the circle while maximizing cost-effectiveness: a large-scale compass rose imprinted on the granite plaza between the benches and central monument, thereby forming a ring around the monument that would include arrows and letters indicating north, south, east, and west.

The Columbus Circle Compass would especially be meaningful as:

• An homage to the circle's namesake as an explorer and navigator.
• An orientation tool for tourists and New Yorkers.
• A recognition of the circle's function as the point at which distances to and from New York City are officially measured.

Moreover, the compass would add aesthetic appeal to the circle when seen from above, thematically engage Donald Trump's steel globe across the street, and educate visitors that the Manhattan street grid is not oriented to true north. It would nicely complement the renovation design of Olin Partnership and Vollmer Associates, and could be funded through private donations if needed.

In summary, the Columbus Circle Compass would emphasize the circle's historical merit, navigational potential and overall unique character, thus reinforcing the status of Columbus Circle as the epicenter of New York City.

About

2008-08-30T16:46:00.001-07:00

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.

Praise

2008-08-30T16:30:00.000-07:00

• "Unique, interesting concept. It really could work and prove to be convenient to a wandering tourist. It also looks good aesthetically."
• "I feel this would add a wondrous and very appropriate element to this geographic location. The true center of the Universe...with all due respect to Galileo and Copernicus."
• "What better way to honor a navigator than with a compass?"
• "This is a good idea, and one that will help promote and identify Columbus Circle and the surrounding area."
• "I love the idea and think it more or less 'completes' the circle visually."
• "This seems like a no-brainer."