Cities | Via Collective

Reflections from New York Build Expo

Jess Schrader — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 16:26:47 +0000

Last week at the New York Build Expo, one theme resonated across every conversation: the built environment is shifting from isolated “objects” to integrated systems. Architecture is no longer just about the building—it’s about how design influences how we move through and connect within the city. Discussions focused on how architectural and experience design are expanding beyond individual…

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Wayfinding the Future at FIT’s New Academic Hub

Katie Osborn — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:26:48 +0000

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), part of the State University of New York, celebrated a major milestone on October 23, 2025, with the grand opening of the Joyce F. Brown Academic Building. Named in honor of FIT President Joyce F. Brown and her 27 years of transformative leadership, the building stands as a bold testament to her lasting influence on the college and its vibrant creative…

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Celebrating New York Through Design

Katie Osborn — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 19:06:00 +0000

September 21 marked National New York Day, a moment to celebrate the state and city that shape so much of who we are. As a New York–based firm, Via Collective is proud to contribute to the energy, diversity, and culture that make this place unlike anywhere else. Our work here is more than projects on a map—it’s about helping people connect to the spaces and communities around them.

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Designing Across Languages

Katie Osborn — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 14:37:05 +0000

In the everyday details of public spaces, signs often reveal how language, culture, and design intersect. At JFK Airport Terminal 5, above, bilingual signage demonstrates how information can be translated clearly and efficiently for diverse travelers. Each destination or service—such as parking, taxis, transit to the city, ride app pick-up, rental cars, and hotel shuttles—is paired with its…

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The ADA at 35: The Impact of Inclusive Design

Katie Osborn — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 17:55:22 +0000

This July marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark civil rights law passed in 1990 to ensure equal access and protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. Born out of decades of advocacy, the ADA was a critical step toward breaking down physical and social barriers in public life—from transportation and buildings to communication and employment.

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The Importance of Wayfinding Master Plans

Katie Osborn — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 20:04:06 +0000

Recently, I had several conversations with clients about how they are integrating wayfinding into their multi-phased or multi-location based projects. Often the wayfinding is tied to an architectural or engineering contract, which makes sense from a procurement and collaboration perspective. Changes to the physical space will result in changes to the way people navigate it.

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2025 ACC/AAAE Symposium

Katie Osborn — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 15:38:11 +0000

Earlier this month, Katie Osborn had the opportunity to attend the 2025 Airport Planning, Design, & Construction Symposium in San Antonio, Texas. Known as the premier event of the year in the industry, the symposium brings together experts and leaders in the industry to explore cutting-edge trends and innovations through dynamic workshops, thought-provoking presentations…

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GSA Veterans Benefits Administration Office

Katie Osborn — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 14:03:58 +0000

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) occupies the 4th floor of the General Services Administration (GSA) building at 201 Varick Street in Lower Manhattan. Via Collective teamed with Dattner Architects to renovate and upgrade this office space to create easier navigation and a stronger sense of connection among the entities that occupy it. Via Collective implemented a “site-specific branding”…

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Essex Crossing wins 2021 AIA Award for Regional & Urban Design

Via Collective — Thu, 06 May 2021 14:04:29 +0000

Via Collective is thrilled to have been part of Essex Crossing, a project which recently received the 2021 AIA Award for Regional & Urban Design. Our contribution focused on the wayfinding and signage of The Market Line and Essex Market, two connected but distinct locations which serve the community of the Lower East Side, both locals and visitors alike. The overall design intent of the…

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Penn Station’s East End Gateway Opens

Via Collective — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 16:25:19 +0000

We’re thrilled to see the iconic new 33rd Street entrance for Penn Station open! The East End Gateway provides direct access to the Long Island Rail Road Main Concourse and the New York City Subway. With a glass and steel canopy that towers 40 feet over the streetscape and frames the spire of the Empire State Building, the new entrance immediately provides easy orientation for customers emerging…

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