St. John's Terminal Great Hall

As part of our work for Google’s new Headquarter building in New York City, opening in early 2024, we were tasked with designing a frieze in the main lobby to conceal a row of HVAC ducts. Inspired by the bustling streets of New York City, this ceiling-mounted installation graces the west side of The Great Hall and symbolizes Google’s deep-rooted presence in the City as well as its transformative adaptive reuse of the iconic St. John’s Terminal building. The installation blends Google’s signature brand colors with abstracted letters drawn from its logo, and incorporates recognizable textures and symbols synonymous with the New York City streetscape.

Observing the installation’s intricate design, viewers will notice familiar NYC textures and symbols interwoven with elements inspired by Google’s distinctive brand identity. Easter eggs and experiential moments have been carefully incorporated for the viewer to discover. From a specific vantage point, the negative space between the shapes form the acronym “NYC.” This design feature not only invites the user to engage with the installation from different perspectives, but motivates the user to revisit the installation. Much like exploring New York, an observer can visit the area multiple times and perceive something new each time.

The frieze serves more than just a visual purpose—it’s a dynamic ode to the bond between Google and New York City. As the viewer navigates through the installation, they’re invited to immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of culture, creativity, and collaboration that defines both Google and the iconic city of New York.

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