The Observation Deck Achieves New Heights

摘要

The motto of One World Observatory, which opened in late May atop One World Trade Center, is "See Forever." It's a lovely sentiment. The view from the public viewing area that occupies floors 100 through 102 (admission price $32, or $90 if you want "expedited" entry on a weekend) is as expansive as you might imagine. But seeing isn't exactly the point, not to the operator of the observation deck, Legends Hospitality, a concessionaire owned in part by the New York Yankees and the Dallas Cowboys. The business of observation decks has lately embraced the contrived concept of "experience." One World Observatory, according to a case study issued by the project team-which includes the New York-based architecture firm Montroy Andersen DeMarco Group Inc. (MADGI), known for its work on "rooftop amenities," and the Hettema Group, theme-park experts based in Pasadena, Calif.-follows an "experience pathway." MADGI principal Richard DeMarco, aia, describes it this way: "It's a machine. You come in. You experience. You go through it. You come out."