Informative Respite Areas

OurNYC respite areas serve to educate tourists, decrease overcrowded sidewalks, and to provide an area of rest for New Yorkers and tourists alike.

ROLE: Concept, Research, Product Design, App Design, Visual Design and Modeling

TOOLS: Photoshop, Illustrator, Rhinoceros, Fusion 360, CNC Routing, Woodworking & prototyping

TREND

New York City is known for being one of the best walking cities in the country. A large majority of those living and working in the city commute on foot. Many tourists come to visit yearly, leading to overcrowded roads and sidewalks that are already notoriously busy during rush hour.

PROBLEM

The problem is that many tourists aren’t familiar with New York’s strict, yet unspoken walking etiquette and often become overwhelmed when trying to navigate the city. Unknowingly they disrupt the flow of traffic by abruptly stopping or standing in the middle of the sidewalk.

RESEARCH

We interviewed a variety of people from avid tourists to established New Yorkers, both of whom shared an appreciation and frustration for the city.

WHY BENCHES?

• They serve as respite areas for New Yorkers and tourists alike

• Offer a place to observe the world around

• Connect people

“Simply sitting, seeing and being seen in itself can provide a sense of belonging”

- The Bench Project

SKETCHES & LOW-FIDELITY MODELS

LOW-FIDELITY 1:1 MODEL TESTING

SOLUTION

We developed an architectural respite area that serves to educate tourists, decrease overcrowded sidewalks, and to provide an area of rest. The aim is not to rigidly separate newcomer from the New York community, but to welcome them in an informative, cohabitive way, and to allow them to be an active part of the New York City ecosystem.

To do this we developed a digital billboard system that would display unique facts, good eats and local events happening in the city. People are encouraged to take a break and/or use it as a way of gathering more information. The design takes inspiration from the shape of an ECG heart rhythm as a reflection of the heartbeat of the city.

MOBILE APP

The digital signage uses QR codes to allow users to access the OurNYC mobile app and be instantly connected to navigation tools, local restaurant suggestions and local events happening nearby.

HI-FIDELITY MODELS

FINAL DETAILS