Penn Station Critical Improvements Phase 1 & 2

Wayfinding Strategy and Design

The Penn Station Critical Improvement Project included two phases: a new entrance at 33rd St. and 7th was unveiled in February of 2021 which provides direct access to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Concourse, and a renovation and expansion of the concourse including increased ceiling heights, high-quality finishes, and improved wayfinding. Completed in December 2022, this project improves safety, security, sightlines, pedestrian flow and overall passenger experience of the space.

Phase 1: The new entrance at 33rd Street provides direct access to the LIRR Concourse and the NYC Subway, alleviating pedestrian congestion and increasing station visibility on the street level. Via Collective designed the signage that is integrated into the canopy, creating a new visual landmark entrance. The letterforms were designed with an extruded mounting element to reduce clutter from pin mounts, increase visibility from long distances and a congested visual filed. This results in a seamless visual integration with the architectural structure. This signage was created in close collaboration with the MTA and Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (Architect of record) so that user needs, as well as aesthetic and technical requirements, were appropriately addressed.

Phase 2: The wayfinding strategy for the LIRR Concourse was developed to align with the Moynihan Train Hall located across the street from Penn Station, but also serving LIRR customers. The signage system connects people to the system despite the locations and adapted to respond to the LIRR Train Hall architecture designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. This coordinated effort creates a visual consistency for passengers and operations across the two station structures, improving user decision-making when navigating the space and reducing stress. The core of the wayfinding strategy focuses on first-time or low-frequency visitors, those with low English literacy, and those requiring non-digital tickets. This approach ensures access to all and reduces the risk of people becoming lost, confused, or stopping other passengers to ask for information.

SECTOR:
transportation

SERVICES:
wayfinding strategy, wayfinding design, exterior signage

CLIENT:
AECOM, MTA