Civic Exchange Competition

The Van Alen Institute: Projects for Public Architecture held an invited competition (Civic Exchange) for the design of a public interactive installation for Lower Manhattan facilitating the dissemination and exchange of local information. [Antenna Design's] winning proposal is an open platform that allows for community participation on different levels. The basic gesture for the design was inspired by the image of people gathering around a bench under a tree, as seen in city parks. The installation features multiple screens for different purposes. The main information screen is a multi-user interactive map table. The interactive map of Lower The Manhattan provides direct access to place-based news, events alerts and other information. People can engage in community dialogue by responding to polls, articles, and by annotating the map. Local organizations can produce content for specific place-based activities. A public announcement screen in the form of a LED column presents broadcasts through color and motion... In alert or emergency modes, messages are presented in a more attention-grabbing manner. Also integrated into the column is an emergency intercom. A single-user internet terminal allows for private exchange. Seating modules invite people to gather. A roof with solar panel, which provides partial and back-up power, provides shade for the interactive display and acts as shelter from rain.