We are excited to share the outcome of the Kunst am Bau competition initiated by the German government: artist Nevin Aladağ has been selected to design an artwork for the stairwell of 1014 Fifth Avenue. Her concept, Pattern Kinship, Roundtour, stood out among several strong proposals and will transform the new staircase, a dynamic conduit linking every level, into a vibrant space of cultural expression.

This commission is part of the broader restoration of 1014—an elegant Art Déco building on Fifth Avenue, directly across from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The sensitive renovation, led by David Chipperfield Architects under the concept An Open House, honors the building’s trans-Atlantic legacy and prepares it to become a new home for 1014: Space for Ideas.

Aladağ’s work will span three floors of the narrow internal stairwell, weaving together ornamental patterns inspired by façades, gates, and architectural elements from diverse cultures, including the fabric of Manhattan. These motifs are reinterpreted and arranged into a fluid, evolving visual narrative that reflects the global character of both the building and the city around it.

“In assembling the pattern repeats, a richly variable interplay of cultures and historical references emerges. The work becomes a symbol for New York—a city of cultural encounter, much like the spirit lived at 1014.” – Nevin Aladağ

The Kunst am Bau competition was organized by Bundesbau Baden-Württemberg, with a jury that included renowned art and architecture experts as well as representatives from the German Foreign Office and 1014.

“The interlocking ornaments reflect different cultures—perfectly suited to New York’s identity as a melting pot,” said Dirk Frey, Head of International Construction at Bundesbau Baden-Württemberg.

Aladağ’s piece is more than decoration—it’s a sculptural gesture that resonates with 1014’s mission to foster cultural exchange. By elevating a transitional space into one of artistic and symbolic significance, it invites visitors to reflect on the layered histories and futures that meet at 1014 Fifth Avenue.

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