James Turrell, Light Box

The lobby of 505 Fifth Avenue is a permanent art installation. Artist James Turrell’s collaboration with architects Kohn Pederson Fox Associates have transformed the office building lobby into a glowing LED exhibition spaces called “Light Box.”

Initial renderings of the space reminded KPF’s Douglas Hocking of  a Turrell piece, and so the Turrell himself was asked to collaborate. The effect are like the color fields of Rothko paintings, creating a surreal space for employees to catch the elevator up to their respective offices, rather than a stoic (and boring) Dan Flavin piece. (sorry guys)

Using stucco walls as canvas and LED as paint, Turrell created the tranquil “Plain Dress 2006” in the lobby space, not far from the lights of Times Square.

What: Plain Dress 2006

Who: James Turrell

Where: 505 Fifth Avenue