# Kaleidoscopic Transit Stations New York City's Fulton Center Has a Kaleidoscopic Dome By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2014-11-12 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fulton-center References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/fulton-center-sky-reflector-net/34710/) & [grimshaw-architects](http://grimshaw-architects.com/project/fulton-street-transit-centre/) The renovated Fulton Center transit hub in Lower Manhattan, designed by [Grimshaw Architects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metro-transit-center-station), aims to modernize the facility. While most [underground stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saintdenis-pleyel-station) tend to be dark and miserable-looking, Fulton Center is actually bathed in natural light thanks to the presence of a special [kaleidoscopic skylight](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/suspended-lighting-installation) that functions as both an artistic and functional architectural element. The central section of Fulton Center is a massive atrium that features the huge skylight, which is 16 meters in diameter. The skylight is situated 37 meters above the atrium floor at the pinnacle of a cone-shaped dome. The dome itself is lined with a massive net structure consisting of 112 tensioned cables, 224 high-strength rods and nearly 10,000 stainless steel parts. The structure is dubbed 'Sky Reflector-Net' and is designed to reflect light into the depths of the atrium. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.3/10 - Popularity: 24% | Activity: 8% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Kaleidoscopic Architecture:** Opportunity for architects to incorporate functional and artistic elements through the design of kaleidoscopic structures. - **Natural Light Integration:** Increasing demand for natural light integration in architectural design to improve aesthetics and promote energy conservation. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architectural Design:** An opportunity for architects to utilize unique light-reflecting structures to create functional and visually appealing buildings. - **Urban Transit:** The integration of natural light and innovative architecture in public transportation systems creates an opportunity to enhance the commuter experience. - **Green Building:** Incorporating natural light into building design can reduce energy costs and carbon footprint, creating opportunities for growth in green building industries. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Swirled Public Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tunnel-vision-installation.md) - [Latticed-Steel Transport Hub Columns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metropolitan-station.md) - [Illuminated Seated Chamber Skylights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leading-skyspace.md) - [Vibrant Public Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rico-gatson.md) - [Redesigned Unifying Transit Terminals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/midtown-bus-terminal.md) - [Digital City-Inspired Art Works](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grand-central-station.md) - [Barrel Vault-Topped Metro Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jahad-metro-plaza.md) - [Cave-Like Discovery-Themed Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gilder-center.md) - [Large-Scale Floral Mosaics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floral-mosaics.md)