Bank of America Pedestrian Passageway

The Durst Organization commissioned a design study for how an existing through-block pedestrian passage connecting 42nd and 43rd Streets could be modified to be more welcoming and encourage pedestrian use. To enliven and unify the space, SYA proposed a dramatic ceiling canopy perforated with LED lights that would stretch from 42nd Street to 43rd Street. Inspired by theater marquees, the canopy transforms the passageway into a luminous and activated gateway to the Theater District. The lights mimic the dramatic lighting on the building spire which is programmed to respond to sky and city images captured by a spire-mounted camera. A large LED screen extending along one wall of the passage displays the corresponding raw camera images from the roof. Subtle faceting of the metal ceiling canopy echoes the form of the tower.