Luminescence: A Lunar Glow on the NYC Waterfront
At the edge of the East River in Queens, a quiet glow transforms the night. Luminescence, a sculptural art installation by artist Nobuho Nagasawa, brings the phases of the moon to life through light, form, and imagination. Each piece captures the rhythm of lunar movement, creating a tranquil beacon along the New York City skyline. As day turns to night, these glowing domes mirror the shifting shapes of the moon, inviting visitors to experience art that connects nature, science, and wonder.
- Substrate: Precast Concrete Domes
- Glow Stones Used: AGT™ Ultra-X Grade Glow Stones – Aqua Blue
- Location: The Peninsula, Hunter’s Point South Waterfront Park, Queens, New York City
- Collaborators: Thomas Balsley Associates, Weiss/Manfredi Architects
- Agencies: New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and NYC Parks
The installation consists of seven concrete domes, each six feet in diameter, arranged in a sweeping crescent across the waterfront peninsula. Etched with lunar surface textures — craters, valleys, and mountains, the domes absorb natural sunlight throughout the day. As dusk falls, they begin to glow with a soft, ambient blue light, reflecting the moon’s phases in the night sky above.
At the heart of this celestial effect lies AGT™ Ultra-X Grade Glow Rocks – Aqua Blue, integrated into the dome surfaces to create a long-lasting photoluminescent glow. These premium-grade stones require no electricity, offering a sustainable and artistic form of ambient lighting that beautifully complements the natural waterfront landscape.
Designed in collaboration with Thomas Balsley Associates and Weiss/Manfredi Architects, and supported by NYCEDC and NYC Parks, Luminescence exemplifies the power of creative design paired with innovative materials. It transforms a public park into an open-air observatory — where visitors can walk among glowing moons and feel connected to both the city and the cosmos.
This project stands as a stunning example of how AGT™ Glow Rocks can elevate architectural and landscape designs into something timeless, educational, and deeply inspiring.
Be inspired by this project to create your own glowing art or landscape project with AGT™ Ultra-X Grade Glow Stones – Aqua Blue.
