LOS
CIRCULOS

September 2025 - July 2026.

Los Círculos is inspired by how people form circles for dancing, celebration, and gathering. This multi-site lighting installation aims to increase a sense of joy, unity, and belonging in Washington Heights. Los Círculos is designed by Marvel and produced by Community League of the Heights (CLOTH) and Van Alen Institute, in collaboration with a coalition of neighborhood organizations and design experts.

Los Círculos illuminates two locations in Washington Heights:

Plaza de las Americas, located at 175th Street and Broadway, directly in front of Washington Heights' landmarked theater United Place — through NYC DOT Art Partners, a collaboration with the NYC Department of Transportation’s Art Program, NYC DOT Art

David Friedland Square (also known as Duarte Triangle), a small public park located at 170th Street and Broadway — through the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation’s Art in the Parks Program

Exhibition Photos by Cameron Blaylock

Soft illumination from two large undulating circles transforms these spaces, creating an inviting space for interaction while increasing visibility at night. The piece harnesses the kinetic energy of the neighborhood, embodying a sense of movement within the design. Los Círculos emphasizes the significance of public space and its critical role in the social and cultural life of the Washington Heights community. Made with LED lights and aluminum, Los Círculos has a lightweight design and minimal footprint, ensuring uninterrupted access to these public spaces and their ongoing events, such as the seasonal GrowNYC farmers market at Plaza de las Americas.

Project Team:

Producers: Community League of the Heights, Van Alen Institute

Designer: Marvel

Lighting Designer: Buro Happold

Structural Engineer: TYLin

Fabricator: A05 Studio

Community Partners: Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Juan Pablo Duarte Foundation, NewYork-Presbyterian, Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance, United Palace

Winner!

Best Lighting Design for an Experiential Project.
Designer: Marvel

“Los Circulos”

A Night of Illumination, Unity, Samba and Salsa!

Launch event:

Tuesday, September 30th, 2025

6:00 pm

Duarte Triangle (Friedland Square)

Broadway and 170th Street

Featuring Manhattan Samba

Plaza de las Américas
Broadway & 175th Street
Featuring Maria y Simon "Dream Duet"

Featuring Manhattan Samba

Manhattan Samba is an international, multigenerational Brazilian samba bateria with musicians of all ages, from Brazil, Central and South America, the Caribbean Islands, Europe, Japan and the U.S., all trained by Ivo Araujo in his weekly, Wednesday, samba classes.

Manhattan Samba brings to life the pure, swinging, exuberant, focused, high energy rhythms and passions of the legendary Rio de Janeiro samba schools, as performed at Rio’s annual world-famous Carnival.

Time Out Magazine alliteratively singled out Manhattan Samba as the bateria that: “…bombards your brain and booty with a battery of bumpin’ batucada beats.”

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Featuring María y Simón "Dream Duet"

“Dream Duet” is a colorful mother-and-son duo full of salsa, rhythm, and love. Simón, only 12 years old, plays the bass and sings with natural talent, while María Escobar, a seasoned singer with a strong career in Colombia, joins him with her powerful voice. Together, they deliver a vibrant show that blends music, some dancing, and a joyful salsa journey through classic hits perfect for dancing and enjoying with the whole family. The show is backed by a wonderful band of exceptional musicians - an electrifying septet, whose talent lifts the experience to the highest musical level.

Launch Event Photos 1-46 by Samuel Lahoz

This project was funded by the NYC Department of Small Business Services (NYC SBS) through the Public Realm Grant. Support was also provided by public funds from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.