Massive 60-Foot Sculpture Unveiled at VIA 57 West Development

Bjarke Ingels' uniquely designed VIA 57 WEST has a new welcoming committee.

Mega real estate firm The Durst Organization unveiled a massive, 60-foot by 60-foot sculpture which will mark the main entrance to the equally massive new development at W. 57th Street between 11th and 12th avenues. The development is anchored by the signature "torqued tetrahedral" residential and mixed-use property VIA 57 WEST. The block also includes residential towers HELENA and, opening this fall, FRANK.

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The sculpture, known as Flows Both Ways, was designed by Stephen Glassman. At eight stories tall, it fills the western wall of HELENA 57 WEST, the first residential building to be built in the development.

"The history of sculpture and skyscraper in New York City is unique and powerful, and I’m honored
to have been invited to work with the Dursts and BIG [Bjarke Ingels' Group] on this project," Glassman said in a statement. "As a New York native, the movement to save the Hudson River was formative in my growth as a young artist intent on creating works of scale and social impact."

The work is the New York native's first permanent large-scale work in the city. And at 16 tons, it's definitely large scale.

The project was announced in February, and installation began in March.

All Photos: Chun Y. Lai/Courtesy of Stephen Glassman Studio