hybrid infinity room and observatory opens at SUMMIT one vanderbilt

SUMMIT ONE VANDERBILT, the infinite dreamscape

SUMMIT one vanderbilt — the immersive four-level observatory at new york’s one vanderbilt skyscraper — opens to the public this week on 21st of october, 2021. set on the top floors of the kohn pedersen fox (KPF)-designed tower, the project will feature three sky-high levels: transcendence, an euphoric multisensory experience which is the first chapter of air, an art installation conceived by kenzo digital; a set of outdoor glass elevators soaring the tallest exterior vantage point in manhattan’s midtown; and an snøhetta-designed nordic-themed lounge and café.

designboom previewed SUMMIT one vanderbilt ahead of its opening and spoke with kenzo digital, designer of the observatory’s immersive and ethereal experience ‘air.’ kenzo describes the spirit of the design: ‘the story is about you as the as the protagonist, your relationship to nature, your relationship to new york city, and more importantly, your relationship to yourself. it’s a very contemplative and surreal experience. it’s a kind of nature experience that is translated in new york city.‘

the observatory is opening to the public on the 21st of october, 2021
images courtesy of SL green

the mirrored observatory

the observatory at SUMMIT one vanderbilt is an endless, mirrored experience that multiplies new york city into dizzying infinity. the space certainly nods to the genius works of yayoi kusama — while conventional observatories invite visitors to view outward, ‘air’ at SUMMIT has visitors gazing into the floor and ceiling as well. here, the city is translated into a surreal dreamscape. walking along the vast, mirrored surface, viewers feel as though they may fall into the glassy depths.

the project will feature three sky-high attractions

the highest views of new york city

as visitors circle through the multi-leveled installation atop SUMMIT one vanderbilt, they are met with a set of levitation boxes. here, one might step out from the envelope of the building and stand on transparent glass which seems to float 1,063 feet above madison avenue.

toward the end of the experience visitors board ascent, an all glass elevator with a transparent glass floor. the elevator’s only destination in upwards — soaring upward from the terrace level and 1,200 feet (364 meters) up the side of the building until it finally nests at the highest viewpoint in midtown manhattan.

an outdoor terrace with the highest urban alpine meadow in the western hemisphere

an immersive mirror-clad experience designed by kenzo digital

the levitation boxes allow guests to step out from the envelope of the building

you can buy your tickets here

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project info:

name: ‘air’ at summit one vanderbilt
location: new york city, NY
client: SL green realty corporation, 420 lexington avenue, new york, NY 10170

art installations: kenzo digital

interior design: snøhetta