Brooklyn-based design studio Young Projects was selected to design the 2014 Valentine Heart, Match-Maker, and to oversee its construction in collaboration with Kammetal. For the past eight years, Times Square Alliance has invited architecture and design firms to submit proposals for a romantic public art installation celebrating Valentine’s Day in Times Square. For the 2014 competition, Times Square Arts in collaboration with Van Alen Institute selected Young Projects' Match-Maker out of six design proposals.

Match-Maker cosmically connected people on Valentine's Day. Guided by their zodiac signs, visitors could arrange themselves at twelve viewing points around the heart-shaped sculpture. While peering through colorful, interwoven periscopes, viewers could catch a glimpse of each of their four most ideal astrological mates, offering potentially novel connections between lonely souls or settled lovers. The form of the sculpture was elusive, complex and symmetrical, and changed as visitors experienced it from different vantage points throughout Times Square. From many points of view it formed a perfect and iconic heart; from other perspectives the sculpture was tangled and perplexing.

“I can tell you from personal experience, there is such a thing as love at first sight!  In an era of digital communication, our design takes a decidedly analog approach to viscerally connect strangers and reaffirm compatibility between old partners. We are extremely honored to have been chosen by the jury for the 2014 Valentine Heart and are excited to realize the piece in collaboration with Brooklyn-based fabricator Kammetal." - Bryan Young, Principal of Young Projects

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To view other 2014 Times Square Valentine Heart Design finalists, please click here.