Temporary Peace and Quiet Pavilion Pops Up In Times Square for Veterans Day

Anyone who has been to <a href="http://inhabitat.com/snøhetta-selected-to-design-a-new-car-free-times-square/" target="_blank">Times Square</a> knows it is one of the busiest places in New York, but what if you could go there for a little tranquility? That is exactly what <a href="http://www.matterpractice.net/ongoing/text_peaceandquiet" target="_blank">Matter Architecture Practice</a> had in mind with their new <a href="http://inhabitat.com/plux-5s-sculptural-pop-up-pavilion-provides-vibrant-views-of-old-montreal/" target="_blank">pop-up pavilion/art installation</a>, “Peace and Quiet.” The shed-like building opened yesterday to coincide with Veterans Day, and is a serene meeting space where veterans and civilians can interact.

The temporary pavilion, conceived by Sandra Wheeler and Alfred Zollinger for the <a href="http://www.timessquarenyc.org/times-square-arts/index.aspx" target="_blank">Times Square Alliance Public Art Program</a>, will stand in the pedestrian plaza of Times Square just until November 16th, but its presence will change the dynamics of the tourist-heavy area, even for just a few days.

Inside the “dialogue station,” the architects have created <a href="http://inhabitat.com/foret-ii-is-a-meditation-pavilion-made-from-810-reclaimed-shipping-pallets/" target="_blank">a place of peace and relaxation</a>, poised for conversation, meeting, or leaving notes in an intimate setting amidst the hustle and bustle outside.

The cabin is adjacent to the US Army Recruiting Station, and was planned to get veterans and the general public together for one on one dialogue.

With heated political discussions surrounding the military in light of the recent elections, Wheeler and Zollinger wanted to humanize the military for civilians, making personal connections and conversation rather than political debate.

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/figment-festival-unveils-2013-city-of-dreams-pavilion-finalists-on-governors-island/" target="_blank">The pavilion</a>, which was funded by Kickstarter, is expected to be passed by 500,000 people daily in the extremely active area of Times Square.

Peace and Quiet is located at the foot of the TKTS office until Friday, November 16th.