Los Círculos team receives Lumen Award 

We’re thrilled to share that Los Círculos has been recognized with a 2026 Lumen Citation Award in the Public Space Activation category. Organized by the New York City Section of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IESNYC), the Lumen Awards celebrate projects that demonstrate excellence in design, technical achievement, and the transformative power of light. IESNYC honored this year’ recipients at the 58th Annual Lumen Gala, held on June 18, 2026 at Pier 60 at Chelsea Piers. Read more about the event in Inside Lighting.

Jury member Burr Rutledge of Kugler Ning Lighting noted, “With its artistic abstraction, the lighting relates directly to the people and the place, gives the public space a clear and meaningful presence, and addresses safety and equity in an underserved area.”

On view through July 2026 at Plaza de las Americas and David Friedland Square, 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.

The full project team includes:

• 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
• City Partners: NYC Department of Small Business Services, NYC Department of Transportation, NYC Department of Parks