Oculus WTC

The World Trade Center Transportation Hub in Lower Manhattan was officially opened to the public on March 2016, replacing the PATH train station that was destroyed in the 9/11 attacks to Twin Towers. It provides access to Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) commuter trains to New Jersey and 11 New York City subway lines,  used daily by 250,000 commuters. Adjacent to the Ground Zero memorial is the Hub’s centerpiece, the Oculus, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava to resemble a dove taking flight. The structure is formed by softly-curving, white, steel ribs that rise from below the ground to form an elliptical dome over a vast concourse. The transparency of the structure allows light to flood through onto the grey and white marble floors below, so that when you are inside you get the impression of a very large plaza and discover a secret place, which gets a lot of light during the day – the same light condition inside the station as walking in the street. From an architectural standpoint, this stretch of light is an important element, as it illuminates the space in an aesthetically pleasing way. However, its intention transcends function, as its primary role is symbolic.

Located right in the middle of the bright Oculus’ Plaza interior, L’Arte del Gelato kiosk opened back in October 2019 with an exceptional retail solution: a sophisticated custom-designed, hand-crafted kiosk that looks as bright as its surrondings and rejoices with the vitality of commuters and visitors. The design was curated by a New York based architect and carried out by a high-end woodwork company in partnership with an Italian decorator artist. While dimensions and proportions are in harmony with the vaste environment at the Oculus, the decorative logos and structural elements were hand-painted and finished in faux Portuguese marble in order to highlight the artisanal craftsmanship-oriented brand.

The Oculus’ view allows visitors to appreciate the precision and care for all of the details. Handcrafted pieces manage to preserve and enhance the vision of this distinctive vintage inspired design with a precise, accurate and detailed rendering but with the warmth, patience and uniqueness of the artisanal touch. We succeeded in evoking a simple charm and the impression of a historical Italian gelateria: a truly handmade kiosk for an excellent hand-made gelato.