Imaginary Forces - Times Square Visitor Center

Project Info:
We collaborated with the Times Square Alliance and WXY Architects to design and create an entry vestibule and alcoves for the newly renovated Times Square Visitor Center. This historical landmark had originally been a newsreel theater. During the renovation, an actual New Year’s Eve ball became part of the permanent display.

Our design team, Karin Fong, Ken Tanabe and Joey Salim, designed and created a modern light board with glowing pink arrows and scrolling type to entice visitors to enter. We’ve brought the bright lights and glamour of Times Square down to street level where visitors can feel part of the excitement. The original movie poster cases are now a video installation that leads the crowd to the main center.

Inside the theater, the baroque alcoves house exhibits that include content from both Times Squares’ high and low culture. There is a Hopes & Dreams wall where wishes are written on confetti, which will be dropped on Times Square on New Year’s Eve, booths beneath an authentic peep show sign and a Broadway film and display case. In reference to the original theater, we created a newsreel film with the story of Times Square, which culminates in a New York moment where the iconic New Year’s Eve ball goes crazy!
Credits:
Client: Times Square Alliance
Director: Karin Fong