WXY architecture: redesign of the NYC information center

NYC information center by WXY architecture + urban design

WXY architecture + urban design along with NYC & company – the city’s official marketing, tourism and partnerships organization have just completed the NYC Information Center. the design, in collaboration with media design firm local projects, is an innovative re-invention of the way visitors and residents plan their new york city itineraries. the NYC information center officially opened to the public on january 21, 2009.

WXY has created a new paradigm that eliminates the need for dated print brochures. alternatively, users can now place digitized ‘pucks’ on the ‘interactive map tables’, which trigger the mapping software and allows them to create custom guidebooks and itineraries of new york city.

the i-shaped glowing ‘digital mirrors’ that hover above the smart tables are guided by the universal symbol for information a single i and function to draw visitors through the space on an oblique pathway. the mirrors throw a color-based projection on to a fabric screen made of barrisol which responds to the user’s choices based on the category of activity selected such as dining, entertainment, lodging, etc. once an itinerary is developed, the visitor can then choose to view their travel plans in three formats. the large video wall, located on the rear wall of the information center, is comprised of 16 high definition flat screen monitors that allow visitors to view a dynamic three-dimensional map of their urban itinerary. by placing the digitized puck on the screen’s designated pylon, a visitor’s saved search becomes a dramatic cartographic display of the city from above travel route mapped out within it. visitors can also use the digitized puck-to-pylon method to obtain their itinerary in hard copy or send themselves an itinerary directly from the interactive map table via email or text to access from their personal electronic device. alternatively, FAQ information kiosks are available for simpler searches. four wall-mounted vertical touch-screen monitors link users to the company website, nycgo.com, for basic inquiries such as famous city landmarks and popular restaurants, etc. great attention was given to the lighting of the information center’s interior for which WXY created an ambient, adaptable and color-saturated experience. recessed light coves that run the length of the space infuse the center with a soft, white illumination while the light emitted by the various media displays brighten the interior of without the use of direct lighting.

once the itinerary has been mapped out visitors can see the route on a full screen