Surfacing the work of emerging designers and testing new strategies to bring people together in public space.
About
Since 2014, Van Alen Institute has connected longstanding local organizations with emerging and BIPOC artists to create community-led public art and design installations. Through these space activations, Common Build amplifies the advocacy work of Van Alen’s community partners, brings together local residents to connect and celebrate, and supports emerging artists and designers as they execute meaningful public realm projects.
Common Build also explores the value of public art and design as a tool for local information sharing, community organizing, issue advocacy, and social justice.
Los Círculos
On view October 1, 2025–July 2026, this award-winning lighting installation encourages gathering and interaction in Washington Heights.
Friends from the Canal
Coming in Spring 2026! Created by artist duo Mookntaka, these inflatable, illuminated sculptures will be a playful welcome to Gowanus.
The Dear Neighbor Project
On long-term view, Tiffany Baker’s public art project increases public awareness of flooding in Gowanus.
With Your Voice
On view July 11—September 9, 2024, With Your Voice envisioned major changes coming to Gowanus, Brooklyn.
Ugly Beauties
On view March 8–May 2, 2024, Curry J. Hackett’s Ugly Beauties envisioned abundant urban futures that center Black communities.
GLOwanus
On view January–December 2024, this light installation informed Gowanus residents about water quality of the Gowanus canal.
COMMON GROUND
On view March 1–May 1, 2023, this interactive public pavilion encouraged moment of pause and play.
Drive-Thru
On view February 17–April 14, 2022, this reconfigurable outdoor theater featured videos and performances by Brooklyn artists, filmmakers, and cultural organizations.
Interwoven
On view November 22, 2021–January 2, 2022, Interwoven celebrated the joys of reconnecting in public space.
Breathing Pavilion
On view March 16–May 11, 2021, Breathing Pavilion created a public space of reprieve during this time of intense hardship and loss.
Point of Action
On view November 23, 2020–January 1, 2021, Point of Action considered how public space can help our city heal and thrive.
Ziggy
On view November 18, 2019–January 1, 2020, Ziggy celebrated the holiday season with vibrant hues and playful gestures.
Happy
On view November 19, 2018–January 1, 2019, Happy was a series of richly colored screens that created an intimate collective space.
Flatiron Reflection
On view November 20, 2017–January 1, 2018, Flatiron Reflection‘s shimmering tubes created a panoramic central space.
Flatiron Sky-Line
On view November 21, 2016–January 1, 2017, Flatiron Sky-Line embraced the tranquility of Flatiron Plaza.
Nova
On view November 18, 2015–January 1, 2016, Nova acted as an observatory for the “constellation” of nearby iconic sites.
New York Light
On view November 15, 2014–January 1, 2015, the steel tube installationNew York Light framed the Flatiron and Empire State Buildings.
2014 Times Square Valentine Heart Design Competition
On view October 1, 2013–December 31, 2014, Match-Maker was a heart-shaped structure that connected people through their zodiac signs.