53rd St. Library

In 2016, the New York Public Library opened its 53rd Street branch​, designed by TEN Arquitectos. 2x4 ​created the building’s visual identity to welcome visitors from the street and play with the relationship between the library and its neighboring highrises.

A giant logo wall, painted on a perforated metal wall, greets visitors upon entry. Our wayfinding system contrasts two-dimensional, screen printed text with extruded block type. Downstairs in the children’s room, a playful supergraphic depicts New York’s skyline built out of letters.

Extruded building ID at entrance
Wayfinding signage