As part of their Strategic Plan, NYPA wanted to design a new Integrated Security Operations Center (iSOC), Innovation Zone, and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on the eighth floor of the NYPA headquarters. Their cutting-edge space enables NYPA to utilize state-of-the-art technologies to monitor and control their entire generation and transmission network across the state of New York.
Four principles drove the design concept: History, Power, Water, and Connection. These principles are reflected in the implementation of an interconnected layout of LED light fixtures across the entire floor—a reference to the Authority’s recent completion of a super-smart electrical grid that enables more electricity from renewable sources to meet the energy demands in New York.
History is also reflected in the contrast of black and white—particularly in the two-toned elevator lobby—and is a bold statement that speaks to the Authority’s dual position as a historic, public institution that continues to lead the charge on clean technologies.
The principles are also reflected in the Turbine Café, the central feature of the Innovation Zone. Reflecting the shape, form, and materiality of a power-generating water turbine, the Café is a circular bar feature where employees can gather, collaborate, and innovate.
The iSOC serves as a command center, where staff utilize custom consoles to manage NYPA’s power plant and grid operations, customer-side operations, and emergency response coordination with the latest, super-smart technologies. Anchoring the space is an 80-foot long, high definition digital screen that projects the status of all of NYPA’s assets near real time. Dual conference rooms between the iSOC and Innovation Zone can be transformed into the Emergency Operations Center. Collectively, these spaces result in a flexible and robust environment that support a variety of workstyles and ultimately improves the reliability and cost-effectiveness of NYPA’s entire network.
Photography: Emily Hagopian Photography
New York Power Authority (NYPA)
Category
Work - Medium
Description
Location: White Plains, NY
Design Team: Gensler
Scully Construction
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