The SeaGlass Carousel transforms a corner of Lower Manhattan’s Battery Park into an otherworldly underwater experience. Breaking from traditional carousel design, the SeaGlass iridescent fish glide through space where horses once galloped, creating an immersive aquatic experience within Piet Oudolf’s lush plantings. This luminous homage to the home of New York’s first Aquarium from 1896 to 1941 reimagines how public art can celebrate place and history. 

The Battery is Lower Manhattan’s largest public park. Even so, it suffered years of neglect, leaving key areas underutilized and in need of revitalization. Our challenge was to breathe new life into the space, make it a destination, and reimagine its circulation and programming, making it more accessible and inviting. 

The design of the SeaGlass Carousel exemplifies a thoughtful integration of art, engineering, and sustainable principles. As the ride begins, the interior walls transition from transparent to opaque, mimicking the experience of descending underwater. Fish-shaped seats move in concentric circles on oscillating turntables, providing riders with a simulated sense of swimming or floating.The carousel incorporates advanced digital elements that combine environmental sounds generated by the structure’s moving parts with original scores by New York City musicians. At the same time, synchronized lighting effects enhance the immersive atmosphere. A natural ventilation system uses the ride’s movement to facilitate airflow, effectively reducing energy consumption and merging aesthetic appeal with functional sustainability. 

The SeaGlass Carousel is the result of the shared vision of the Battery Conservancy and WXY. Through meticulous coordination among engineers, designers, and artists, the project seamlessly integrated the carousel’s conch-like structure into Piet Oudolf’s exquisitely crafted gardens. This collaborative approach ensured that the project was not just a design, but a shared experience and a testament to the power of collective creativity. 

Welcoming over 6 million visitors each year, the Battery is a vital part of the city’s fabric and a beacon for Lower Manhattan’s increasing tourism. SeaGlass plays a pivotal role in attracting both locals and tourists to the area, offering a unique experience that enhances the park’s identity and strengthens its connection to the city’s past and future.