With #ConeyIsland rides closing for the season at the end of this month (#Archtober), we are zooming in on Vito Acconci’s “Wavewall” (2005) at the West 8 St-New York Aquarium (Q) station, which is inspired by and located on the approximate site of a former roller coaster ride. Artist #VitoAcconci worked with architects Jim McConnell of Daniel Frankfurt to develop a unique architectural treatment for the station façade, creating no clear delineation between the architecture and the art. The art and architecture collaboration opened up the platform windscreens to the expansive ocean views. In the artist's words, "The normally horizontal and vertical steel windscreen tubes and panels have been transformed into a more sinuous form that evokes the notion of a wave, or that of motion as in the Cyclone or the subway itself." The result is a striking and unique subway station that fits into its special surroundings.
