Perspectives November 6, 2024

A New York Sense of Place: Fighting a Flattening Culture

by Mariana Giraldo, Associate Principal

Inspired by the Met Gala’s glamour and bold energy, the design direction for the pavilions at John F. Kennedy International Airport encourages brands to push the boundaries of creativity, creating a statement worthy of the New York City experience.

Is architecture and design across the globe starting to look the same? Are our tastes really converging, or are they being shaped by dominant global trends?

As I scroll through my Instagram feed every morning, I can’t help but wonder: Is architecture and design across the globe starting to look the same? Are our tastes really converging, or are they being shaped by dominant global trends? Cultural critic Kyle Chayka asserts in Filterworld that as we become more interconnected online, exposure to the same media, products, and design influences creates a preference for familiar aesthetics (thanks to my colleague Matt Krissel for the great book recommendation). Often, it’s driven by the “flavor of the month,” a constant cycle of popular trends dictated by social media, global brands, and influencers that overshadows local tastes and preferences. If we let this phenomenon take hold, homogeneity can overly influence and dilute authentic design.

Although trends create a sense of shared culture, they generate a feedback loop that tends to suppress individuality and regional diversity, resulting in a more uniform aesthetic. What we consider “good” or “desirable” design is increasingly influenced by what’s trending globally, rather than by personal or culturally specific values. This cycle is fueled by biases and the demand for easily digestible, non-disruptive content driven by social media algorithms—an autogenerated force that diminishes the depth, nuance, and richness that define people, art, and life. The outcome is often a design world that may be visually engaging but lacks the depth that comes from diverse perspectives and localized creativity. This, to me, is one of the greatest design challenges of our time: How do we create an authentic sense of place?

As a design strategist in New York City—a place that is both intensely local and profoundly global—I’ve found the challenges to be even more complex. New York has its own character, yet it’s a city constantly interacting with the world. Although there’s no single “best” way to tell the New York story, we find rigor and beauty in exploring through design. We strive to reflect the unique spirit of the city and state in the spaces we design, allowing it to be understood by locals and visitors alike without overt explanation. For us, the built world is the manifestation of our values and our perspective on the world. It’s a fundamental layer that shapes how we connect, experience, and live in it.

New York is not a place, it is a dream.

Ralph Ellison

New York as a character

New York City has been a main character in books, films, and songs for decades, and each person has their own interpretation of what the city represents. As millions of people’s stories unfold every day, the beauty of New York lies in its multiplicity. Designing spaces that reflect and respond to these stories—whether for locals or visitors—requires a layered approach. Locals carry an intimate understanding of the city’s pulse, while visitors experience it in flashes, through iconic landmarks and impressions. Both narratives are important, and they need to be told differently while still feeling cohesive.

A city is a patchwork of enduring icons and spaces that are perpetually reimagined. To create interiors that reflect a city's mix of vibrance and permanence, designers need to ask the right questions, build connections between functions, and provide flex spaces.

In this example, "iconic" spaces in a workplace, like the entryway, cafe, and labs, are interspersed with flexible spaces that can adapt to meet the organization's changing needs over time.

A narrative of movement

The spirit of New York is hard to define yet impossible to miss—it’s a fusion of resilience, ambition, and constant reinvention. Through the bustling energy of the streets, the quiet tenacity of its workers, and the unapologetic pursuit of big dreams, the city exudes a sense of possibility. The design of spaces in New York can capture this spirit by ensuring that every corner, every open area, and every quiet space reflects the city’s heartbeat. It’s not about following trends but embracing the city’s unique blend of grit and glamour, its fast-paced innovation, and its deeply rooted authenticity. This spirit of perpetual movement and transformation should be reflected in architecture that feels alive, responsive to the city’s needs, and adaptable to its inevitable evolution.

Iconic New York

When people think of New York, iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Empire State Building immediately come to mind. These symbols have become shorthand for the city, but New York is more than its monuments. It’s in the daily rituals of the people who live and work here, in the distinct atmosphere of each neighborhood, and the juxtaposition of old and new. Designing for New York means paying homage to these timeless symbols while also embracing new icons that resonate with modern life. Spaces must be more than just visually striking; they must tell the story of New York’s layered identity, giving a nod to history while embracing the future.

Stories from the boroughs

While Manhattan often steals the spotlight, Brooklyn’s creative energy, Queens’ unparalleled diversity, the Bronx’s cultural heritage, and Staten Island’s distinct community feel all contribute to the larger narrative of New York. To ignore the boroughs is to ignore the heart of the city itself. In design, their distinct characteristics must be acknowledged, celebrated, and seamlessly integrated. Design should act as a bridge between neighborhoods, reflecting the varied cultures, histories, and experiences that make each borough a vital part of New York’s whole. Design interventions must be hyper-local, responding to the needs of specific communities while also contributing to the larger urban tapestry.

Hospitality (food) masterplan for a confidential financial firm inspired by New York City’s diverse flavors and sense of discovery

New York State

New York City doesn’t exist in isolation; it is part of a larger, vibrant state that extends far beyond its urban core. The broader New York State, with its rolling countryside, dense forests, and quiet towns, contributes to the city’s identity in ways that are often overlooked. It is also the source of the city’s water supply—a literal lifeline—creating a constant flow between city and state, a dialogue of people, resources, and talent. The city’s dynamic contrast to its rural surroundings forms a unique tension that reflects the state’s broader diversity in geography and experience. Recognizing this influence is crucial when designing for New York City, as it balances the city’s fast pace with nature, tranquility, and respite. Incorporating elements that pay homage to the state’s natural beauty allows the city to feel more connected, more grounded in its regional context, and more conscious of its environmental responsibilities.

The role of art

Art in New York is an essential expression of the city’s identity—its heartbeat, its DNA. From public murals and street art to world-class museums and galleries, art embodies New York’s constant evolution and multifaceted culture. In design, art should be integral, not an afterthought. Art brings life, context, and conversation to spaces, offering a lens through which locals and visitors alike can experience the city’s complexity. It can be a voice for underrepresented communities, a reflection of current social issues, and a celebration of the city’s diversity. Incorporating art into the fabric of public and private spaces turns the city into a living gallery, where every turn offers a new perspective.

Neighboring buildings and a lively streetscape form the backdrop to our Manhattan studio on Broadway.

Embracing contradictions

Ultimately, creating an authentic New York sense of place is about embracing the city’s contradictions and dualities. New York is a city of endless stories—some told loudly, others quietly, but each one contributing to the greater narrative of what it means to live and breathe this city. The challenge in design is resisting the homogenizing forces of global trends, while allowing New York’s true spirit to shine through. Every building, every public space, every street corner is an opportunity to acknowledge the city’s past, reflect its present, and embrace its ever-evolving future.

But more than that, design in New York must speak to the people who live, work, and move through these spaces daily. Will design lead, or follow? Will it rise above the derivative and repetition of digital circularity? Let’s not forget that the people who use these environments—New Yorkers and visitors alike—are not just passive observers; they are actively shaping the city’s narrative. Our environments must challenge and inspire, not through imitation, but through authentic, creative, and disruptive forces. What story will your design tell, and how will it inspire those who interact with it? Will it spark a sense of pride, offer comfort, or challenge perceptions? Ultimately, the success of any space lies in how it engages the people who experience it, influencing their lives and becoming a backdrop for their own stories. In a city that’s always moving forward, it’s the people who will define what comes next.

A New York Sense of Place: Fighting a Flattening Culture

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