A+M_up_down_bracket_Page_1.jpg

01. city map vs. subway diagram and problems of re-orientation

Bronx is Up, WTC is down: paraphrasing Leonard Bernstein. A public service guerilla action for Architecture League’s Make a Difference in Two Days

In November 2008 The New York Architecture League announced a 48-hour design activism challenge – calling designers to start actively shaping public space in NYC. The ‘New York community’, the public, populus, the “New Yokaz”, the very individuals who use the public space, is a large yet ephemeral entity. Where can this community be observed on a daily basis and on a short notice? The New York City subway system -- or precisely the moment where the subway ends and city begins – the subway station entrance, is where millions of New Yorkers can be seen daily emerging from below ground in nearly 500 stations. Re-emerging into the city through a subway station is transformative – it is a link between an abstraction of subway lines and real urban geography, a kind of a daily rite of passage, the ultimate public space. And as we found, it is often confusing even for a “seasoned” New Yorker, much less for a visitor, because the standard NYC subway entrance fails to re-orient the traveler back to the City.

We began considering the language of way-finding appropriate to the boundary between subway and the city. Other cities often introduce a north arrow, either embedded in the pavement, or attached as a sign. In NYC, however, both local residents and tourists rely on the idea of “up” and “down” to orient themselves within the city, and use iconic landmarks serve as primary way-finding devices. "New York, New York, a helluva town. The Bronx is up but the Battery's down" – in his 1944 New York, New York Leonard Bernstein captured the essence of local vernacular way-finding – the landmarks are equated with cardinal directions. Yet there was a missing piece. For thirty years, until 2001, several generations of New Yorkers consider the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center as ‘down’. Since then, there has been no substitute yet. The clunky Freedom Tower, finally topped off in 2013, has yet be domesticated into the New York way-finding vernacular (if it ever will be), and a generation has grown up without a familiar double stub of the World Trade to reliably point out the downtown upon the brief confusion in the first seconds on the city ground post-subway-ride.

Furthermore, the destruction of the WTC was that kind of an event that made New York a community – the type of transcendental occurrence, politics and other consequences aside, that brought many ethnicities, classes, generations together, at its best as a simple notion of allegiance and belonging, without any undercurrents of pathos, ideology, hubris or hatred. In itself, autumn of 2001 was a somber but beautiful time in New York – saddened by the tragedy, but emboldened by the palpable emergence of the spirit of the City. That was worth remembering!

48 hours later, a visual reminder for the missing downtown landmark of the WTC towers went up on and around 23rd St N, R station one night in November of 2008. Directional signs pointing toward Ground Zero served both as a functional way-finding device and as a distributed memorial to the spirit of New York City. Lost in the cacophony of NYC street signage, we imagined these devices deployed throughout the city, infiltrating the infrastructure of information. The two prototypes lasted nearly two months before NYC DOT and MTA finally took them down.

A+M_up_down_bracket_Page_2.jpg

02. up and down / north or south

A+M_up_down_bracket_Page_3.jpg

03. the memorial sign kit

A+M_up_down_bracket_Page_4.jpg

04. the first clandestine installation

A+M_up_down_bracket_Page_5.jpg

05. downtown is that way, where the WTC was

A+M_up_down_bracket_Page_7.jpg

06. the second clandestine installation

A+M_up_down_bracket_Page_8.jpg

07. downtown is that way, where the WTC was

A+M_up_down_bracket_Page_6.jpg

08. up for 2 months, lots in the sea of NYC signage infrastructure

  • 1010 Comments   –  Login to comment

  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 16, 21 4:15 am

    There are many dissertation websites from the web stay get not surprisingly recognized within the web sites. ?????
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 16, 21 4:18 am

    There are many dissertation websites from the web stay get not surprisingly recognized within the web sites. ????
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 16, 21 6:08 am

    This is my first time visit to your blog and I am very interested in the articles that you serve. Provide enough knowledge for me. Thank you for sharing useful and don't forget, keep sharing useful info: Velovita Europe
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 16, 21 6:11 am

    This is my first time visit to your blog and I am very interested in the articles that you serve. Provide enough knowledge for me. Thank you for sharing useful and don't forget, keep sharing useful info: Omega 3 Fatty Acids source
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 16, 21 6:13 am

    This is my first time visit to your blog and I am very interested in the articles that you serve. Provide enough knowledge for me. Thank you for sharing useful and don't forget, keep sharing useful info: ?????????????
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 16, 21 6:17 am

    This is my first time visit to your blog and I am very interested in the articles that you serve. Provide enough knowledge for me. Thank you for sharing useful and don't forget, keep sharing useful info: VigRX Plus coupon
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 16, 21 6:32 am

    Very efficiently written information. It will be beneficial to anybody who utilizes it, including me. Keep up the good work. For sure i will check out more posts. This site seems to get a good amount of visitors. ??????
  • ayeshamughal

    ayeshamughal ·  Oct 16, 21 7:09 am

    The young call girls in Lahore are extremely excellent, smart, outstanding, and reliable. They are constantly prepared to give you wild joy in your room. You can get any of our young girls in your locality whenever and from any place. Our Escorts in Lahore Agency is constantly open 24/7. Simply let us know or offer your region where we can drop our high profile Lahore escorts and we will do it in a couple of moments.
    https://toplahoreescorts.pk/


  • mohammadbilalkhatri

    mohammadbilalkhatri ·  Oct 16, 21 8:27 am

    Really I enjoy your site with effective and useful information. It is included very nice post with a lot of our resources.thanks for share. i enjoy this post. situs bandarq online
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 17, 21 3:28 am

    You made such an interesting piece to read, giving every subject enlightenment for us to gain knowledge. Thanks for sharing the such information with us to read this... pet accessories
  • mohammadbilalkhatri

    mohammadbilalkhatri ·  Oct 17, 21 3:55 am

    I like your post. It is good to see you verbalize from the heart and clarity on this important subject can be easily observed... app developer work
  • mohammadbilalkhatri

    mohammadbilalkhatri ·  Oct 17, 21 6:53 am

    Really I enjoy your site with effective and useful information. It is included very nice post with a lot of our resources.thanks for share. i enjoy this post. umrah package from dubai
  • xyz1

    xyz1 ·  Oct 17, 21 10:57 am

    On this subject internet page, you'll see my best information, be sure to look over this level of detail. ?????">https://uri-casino.com/">??????
  • michellerose

    michellerose ·  Oct 18, 21 4:07 am

    What makes a good laptop for medical school? Reviewer Mate presents the ULTIMATE guide to buying the best laptop for medical school.


  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 18, 21 4:12 am

    I am impressed. I don't think Ive met anyone who knows as much about this subject as you do. You are truly well informed and very intelligent. You wrote something that people could understand and made the subject intriguing for everyone. Really, great blog you have got here. ??????????????????
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 18, 21 4:12 am

    I am impressed. I don't think Ive met anyone who knows as much about this subject as you do. You are truly well informed and very intelligent. You wrote something that people could understand and made the subject intriguing for everyone. Really, great blog you have got here. ??????????????????
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 18, 21 4:43 am

    I am impressed. I don't think Ive met anyone who knows as much about this subject as you do. You are truly well informed and very intelligent. You wrote something that people could understand and made the subject intriguing for everyone. Really, great blog you have got here. ??????????UFABET?????
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 18, 21 4:47 am

    I am impressed. I don't think Ive met anyone who knows as much about this subject as you do. You are truly well informed and very intelligent. You wrote something that people could understand and made the subject intriguing for everyone. Really, great blog you have got here. Sexy Baccarat
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 18, 21 5:25 am

    I am impressed. I don't think Ive met anyone who knows as much about this subject as you do. You are truly well informed and very intelligent. You wrote something that people could understand and made the subject intriguing for everyone. Really, great blog you have got here. ??????Sexy Baccarat
  • michellerose

    michellerose ·  Oct 18, 21 6:12 am

    Explore Sora Solutions Services, a Swiss-based Information Technology company. Learn more about our complete hardware and software solutions.

    https://welcome.sora-solutions.services/en/
  • michellerose

    michellerose ·  Oct 18, 21 6:42 am

    Buy Bed online from MY BEDZ at affordable prices. We offer Leather Fabric Bed, Sleigh Devon Beds, Bunk Beds, Mattress, Sofa Beds, Bean Bags in Bristol.

    https://mybedz.co.uk/
  • michellerose

    michellerose ·  Oct 18, 21 8:01 am

    kitaabnow is an online book store in Pakistan with a huge variety of Academic Books and Stationery items. Visit the store today at kitaabnow.com
    https://kitaabnow.com/
  • kelvindj8

    kelvindj8 ·  Oct 18, 21 1:08 pm

    • Superbly written article, if only all bloggers offered the same content as you, the internet would be a far better place. matka satta

  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 18, 21 1:17 pm

    This particular is usually apparently essential and moreover outstanding truth along with for sure fair-minded and moreover admittedly useful My business is looking to find in advance designed for this specific useful stuffs… facebook
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 18, 21 1:19 pm

    This particular is usually apparently essential and moreover outstanding truth along with for sure fair-minded and moreover admittedly useful My business is looking to find in advance designed for this specific useful stuffs… facebook
  • displaysolution

    displaysolution ·  Oct 20, 21 12:35 am

    Wonderful article! We will be linking to this great post on our website. Keep up the good writing.

    Visit us for amazing trade show booth products for your events.


  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 20, 21 4:02 am

    Really I enjoy your site with effective and useful information. It is included very nice post with a lot of our resources.thanks for share. i enjoy this post. ????? ???
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 20, 21 5:51 am

    Really I enjoy your site with effective and useful information. It is included very nice post with a lot of our resources.thanks for share. i enjoy this post. laundry baskets on wheels
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 20, 21 5:59 am

    Really I enjoy your site with effective and useful information. It is included very nice post with a lot of our resources.thanks for share. i enjoy this post. cali plug cart
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 20, 21 6:04 am

    Really I enjoy your site with effective and useful information. It is included very nice post with a lot of our resources.thanks for share. i enjoy this post. ???? ??? ??
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 20, 21 6:07 am

    Really I enjoy your site with effective and useful information. It is included very nice post with a lot of our resources.thanks for share. i enjoy this post. ldssingles
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 20, 21 6:09 am

    Really I enjoy your site with effective and useful information. It is included very nice post with a lot of our resources.thanks for share. i enjoy this post. Christian soulmate
  • michellerose

    michellerose ·  Oct 20, 21 7:12 am

    when it comes to asicway cryptocurrency mining,many people I know are skeptic about choosing a mining rig. After looking at asicway miners, asicway reviews I found that this is the most advanced mining hardware AW Proc because of high return.
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 20, 21 8:12 am

    Really I enjoy your site with effective and useful information. It is included very nice post with a lot of our resources.thanks for share. i enjoy this post. situs bandarq online
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 21, 21 3:59 am

    Really I enjoy your site with effective and useful information. It is included very nice post with a lot of our resources.thanks for share. i enjoy this post. Keluaran SGP
  • kelvindj8

    kelvindj8 ·  Oct 22, 21 2:01 pm

    Superbly written article, if only all bloggers offered the same content as you, the internet would be a far better place. indian matka


  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 23, 21 3:49 am

    Very efficiently written information. It will be beneficial to anybody who utilizes it, including me. Keep up the good work. For sure i will check out more posts. This site seems to get a good amount of visitors. knife sharpening NYC
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 23, 21 5:54 am

    Really I enjoy your site with effective and useful information. It is included very nice post with a lot of our resources.thanks for share. i enjoy this post. cashmere joggers
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 23, 21 5:56 am

    Really I enjoy your site with effective and useful information. It is included very nice post with a lot of our resources.thanks for share. i enjoy this post. buy gold in Abu Dhabi
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 23, 21 5:59 am

    Really I enjoy your site with effective and useful information. It is included very nice post with a lot of our resources.thanks for share. i enjoy this post. buy gold in Abu Dhabi
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 23, 21 6:00 am

    Really I enjoy your site with effective and useful information. It is included very nice post with a lot of our resources.thanks for share. i enjoy this post. BG Bank Guarantee provide
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 23, 21 6:02 am

    Really I enjoy your site with effective and useful information. It is included very nice post with a lot of our resources.thanks for share. i enjoy this post. DOGE
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 23, 21 6:04 am

    Really I enjoy your site with effective and useful information. It is included very nice post with a lot of our resources.thanks for share. i enjoy this post.trippy">https://psychedelicflushes.com">trippy flip Chocolate bar
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 23, 21 6:04 am

    Really I enjoy your site with effective and useful information. It is included very nice post with a lot of our resources.thanks for share. i enjoy this post. trippy flip Chocolate bar
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 23, 21 6:08 am

    Really I enjoy your site with effective and useful information. It is included very nice post with a lot of our resources.thanks for share. i enjoy this post. ?????? ??
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 23, 21 6:11 am

    Really I enjoy your site with effective and useful information. It is included very nice post with a lot of our resources.thanks for share. i enjoy this post. ?????
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 23, 21 6:13 am

    Really I enjoy your site with effective and useful information. It is included very nice post with a lot of our resources.thanks for share. i enjoy this post. pest control wichita ks
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 23, 21 6:14 am

    Really I enjoy your site with effective and useful information. It is included very nice post with a lot of our resources.thanks for share. i enjoy this post. wichita pest control
  • xyz1

    xyz1 ·  Oct 24, 21 1:58 am

    I really appreciate the kind of topics you post here. Thanks for sharing us a great information that is actually helpful. Good day! <a href="https://duchi.net/">?????? Duchi</a> <a href="https://duchi.net/">bijoux -0086 -86 -086 -chine</a> <a href="https://duchi.net/">Moldavie</a> <a href="https://duchi.net/">bijoux illimité</a> <a href="https://duchi.net/">bijoux de filles</a> <a href="https://duchi.net/">manuelito duchi volumen 10</a> <a href="https://duchi.net/">chapeaux gucci pour hommes</a> <a href="https://duchi.net/">fourre-tout chanel</a> <a href="https://duchi.net/">vernis à ongles chanel</a> <a href="https://duchi.net/">bijoux bulgare</a>
  • bilalmarwari

    bilalmarwari ·  Oct 24, 21 4:17 am

    Really I enjoy your site with effective and useful information. It is included very nice post with a lot of our resources.thanks for share. i enjoy this post. ?????????????????
Next page » Loading