Stairwell in the Department of Philosophy building of New York University, New York City

© Alex Fradkin/Gallery Stock

Stairwell in the Department of Philosophy building of New York University, New York City

A skylight at the top of the six-floor philosophy building for New York University is covered in prismatic plastic. As sunlight passes over, the prisms cast miniature rainbows across the walls, stairs and floors of the building’s interior. The design, by American architect Steven Holl, is part of a major remodel to the space that was completed in 2007.