Columbus Circle Compass

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We, the undersigned, submit that one further installation on Columbus Circle would provide additional utility and significance to the circle while maximizing cost-effectiveness: a large-scale compass rose imprinted on the granite plaza between the benches and central monument, thereby forming a ring around the monument that would include arrows and letters indicating north, south, east, and west.

The Columbus Circle Compass would especially be meaningful as:

- An homage to the circles namesake as an explorer and navigator.
- An orientation tool for tourists and New Yorkers.
- A recognition of the circles function as the point at which distances to and from New York City are officially measured.

Moreover, the compass would add aesthetic appeal to the circle when seen from above, thematically engage Donald Trumps steel globe across the street, and educate visitors that the Manhattan street grid is not oriented to true north. It would nicely complement the renovation design of Olin Partnership and Vollmer Associates, and could be funded through private donations if needed.

In summary, the Columbus Circle Compass would emphasize the circles historical merit, navigational potential and overall unique character, thus reinforcing the status of Columbus Circle as the epicenter of New York City.

We ask the appropriate city agencies, community boards, civic organizations, and other relevant powers of influence in New York City to collaborate toward the implementation of the Columbus Circle Compass.

91 Signatures

  • John Trifonas
    • Comments
    • Nyc rocks!
  • John Dellaportas
  • Efren Almazan
  • jeffrey olson
  • Kartik Kumar
  • Derrick Chen
  • Michael Jagiani
    • Comments
    • We should have a compass on every intersection!
  • John French
  • stupid idea
    • Comments
    • isn't it
  • Daniel Korn
  • Eric Hirvonen
  • Doug Miller
  • Christopher Columbus
    • Comments
    • That's what I'm talkin' about!
  • Tien Vominh
  • Michael Scaduto
  • President George W. Bush
    • Comments
    • Make no mistake, this is a great idea
  • John Claypoole
  • Frank Vazquez
  • Natasha
  • Gary Shipman
    • Comments
    • I feel this would add a wonderous, and very appropriate element to this geographic location. The true center of the Universe...with all due respect to Galileo and Copernicus.
  • Mr Jones
    • Comments
    • Good idea, I'll use it when I'm lost.
  • bailey
    • Comments
    • ahoy
  • Creighton Redenbo
  • Frank Potash
    • Comments
    • great idea!
  • Kevin VanWanseele
  • Emily
  • Emily Lee
  • alan miles
    • Comments
    • В
  • Ben Meyers
    • Comments
    • This is a great idea! NYC needs more tools for psychogeography.
  • Laureen Lipsky
  • Premila Bhat
    • Comments
    • В
  • ZEKIO DAWSON
  • Eric Jacobs
  • Zak Pofera
  • Adam Sipos
    • Comments
    • В
  • Koftup Hayrbals
    • Comments
    • This is exactly what we need!
  • Lawrence Lewitinn
    • Comments
    • What better way to honor a navigator than with a compass?
  • Edward Butler
  • Robert Mack
  • Chris Johnson
  • Rob Mayer
  • Kane Niwa
  • sean avram carpenter
  • John-Petter Mork
  • Tory Wegerski
  • Mark Haberman
  • Blake Simmon
    • Comments
    • This is an excellent idea!
  • Jason T. Gordon
    • Comments
    • Consider additionally a sundial aspect.
  • M. Lee
  • Christine Braunstein