It is the point at which all distances to and from New York City are officially measured, and where four major traffic arteries converge, but until 2005, Columbus Circle was a desolate roundabout with a few trees and the lonely monument of a very famous Italian explorer.

Commissioned by the City of New York and AOL Time Warner—whose building overlooks the intersection—WET collaborated with landscape architect Laurie Olin, who transformed the hub into a pedestrian retreat where one can be at the center of the world, yet away at the same time.

Concentric circles carve the island into strips of greenery, wooden benches, and terraced pools where ninety-nine kinetic water arcs draw the eye toward the center of the monument. These pools, when drained, double as theater-in-the-round style seating to accommodate special events––and the rounded bronze water fixtures prevent any nasty surprises for those taking a seat.

In the past, where pedestrians might only have paused in the shadow of Columbus before crossing the street, now they lounge, they read, they watch the world revolve around them.