Gateways to Chinatown

Blurring Virtual and Public Space

In New York, the Canal Street Triangle offers visitors a spatial experience that is simultaneously real and digital. Physical interventions and digital acts reciprocate across the site, each altering and reinforcing the experience of the other.

The gates integrate interactive technologies, lighting, media, and multidimensional graphic design. Selected gate elements act as digital kiosks, incorporating interactive screens and sensors so that the screens activate only when visitors approach. When not in use, the screens match the color of the gates and blend seamlessly into the environment.

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LocationNew York, NY, United States
TypePublic Space / Data
AreaCanal Street Triangle
StatusCompetition / RFP
Year2017
ClientNew York City Department of Transportation
TeamBettina Zerza, Principal
Seth Embry, Maia Simon

Landscape Design: W-Architecture and Landscape Architecture LLC

Civil Engineering and Transportation: Arup

Digital Consultant: HD Made

Lighting Design: L’Observatoire International

CONSTELLATION OF PLACES

CIRCULATION AND TOPOGRAPHY DEFINE THE TRIANGLE

GATEWAY AS PRESCRIPTIVE OPENING

MULTIPLE GATES FORMING POROUS THRESHOLD

LOOSE INTERIORITY

TRADITIONAL PAIFANG GATE

ABSTRACTION OF APERTURE

THE ELEMENTS FORM AN ALLEE