This winter, we’ve got our Laners spread out at The Gates in Central Park, NYC! As this is a 20th Anniversary public art installation, we thought it’d be fun to share more information about it. And of course, we have to showcase our Laners’ involvement!
The Original Gates
You may or may not know about The Gates… the memorable, bright orange arches were a public art project installed throughout Central Park in 2005 for sixteen days in February. Passersby couldn’t miss the 7,503 saffron-colored gates spanning twenty-three miles of pathways!
Christo and Jeanne-Claude were the artistic husband-wife duo who designed the gates. From concept to installation, it took twenty-six years of planning, negotiation and engagement with multiple city agencies and the public. That’s right folks – this all started in 1979! The project was finally
approved and realized under the Bloomberg mayoral administration.
Over the course of sixteen days, approximately four million people viewed The Gates, generating an estimated $254 million in economic activity across NYC. It’s no doubt that this installation helped revitalize a city that had been devastated by the 9/11 attacks just four years earlier.
An AR Anniversary!
And now…twenty years later, Bloomberg Philanthropies has created an AR Anniversary! To keep things simple and not too “tech-y” — this basically means it’s a digital “recreation” of the original gates! Using Augmented Reality and other technologies, passersby can now use their smartphone to view the gates as if they’re right there! This is available in Central Park along marked paths from East 72nd Street and 5th Avenue to Cherry Hill. You can access the experience from within three Bloomberg Connects guides: Central Park Conservancy, Christo and Jeanne-Claude, and The Shed.
The technology is so detailed that The Gates’ animations react to real-world weather conditions, including wind, sun, and clouds! Techniques were used for people as well as parts of the landscape so that the virtual Gates appear behind someone if they are standing in front of it in the physical world. All together, this is an experience that could not have been achieved, especially at this quality, even two years ago, thanks to the advancement of smartphone and computer vision advances. Pretty cool!
Laner at the Gates
And as you might have guessed…our Laners are there to help guide you through the whole experience! As there isn’t anything physically there to view, Laners are able to help passersby learn about the anniversary. They’ve got lots of fun facts and info about the original installation. We also have staff near the coffee cart on 72nd St, because you’ll definitely need a hot coffee after your brisk walk!
We’re honored to be a small part of this iconic New York City celebration! Collaborating on how our Laners can help elevate this activation has been a rewarding time. Any chance to bring our joy and expertise to a good cause is a fulfilling win-win! If you’re in NYC, make sure to stop through Central Park and find a Laner at The Gates before April!
Learn more at Bloomberg Philanthropies!
Looking for a cozy space this winter season? Check out our very own Meaux Space!