Reddymade Wins 11th Times Square Valentine Heart Design Competition

John Hill

17. October 2018

Image: Reddymade

Reddymade Architecture and Design, the New York firm founded by architect Suchi Reddy, has won the 11th annual Times Square Valentine Heart Design Competition with "X," which will be unveiled in February in time for Valentine's Day.

Reddymade's "X" was selected at an exhibition opening on Monday at the Center for Architecture, which is holding an exhibition of the eight finalists until November 2nd. "X" will be installed on Father Duffy Square in Times Square and unveiled on the first day of February next year, remaining on view for the whole month.

The name of Reddy's design brings to mind XXX TIMES SQUARE WITH LOVE, which German architect J. Mayer H. installed in Times Square in 2016. Whereas that installation references the X-shaped intersection of Seventh Avenue and Broadway, the triple-X clearly refers to the adult theaters that used to populate the area. Reddy's "X," on the other hand, "evokes many expressions of interpersonal and civic love," per a statement from Times Square Alliance, including:

the written symbol for a kiss, a representation of intersecting forms, and the mark of a democratic vote. Here, “X” explores how love within communities can manifest through connecting diversity and equality. Much like the convergence of lines in an X, people from all backgrounds cross paths in Times Square, and Reddymade’s design offers a purposeful moment for further exchange and connection.

The physical "X" will be made from two intersecting aluminum planes reaching high points of 18 feet, making it the tallest Times Square Valentine Heart. The planes will create a passageway, while the rounded openings cut into them will resemble hearts when seen from certain angles. And of course, given that it will stand in Times Square, the edges of the planes will be illuminated, glowing brighter as more people gather beneath "in a physical expression of the power of community and love."