The Sci-fi Gallery New York envisions transforming a ventilation tower in an underground tunnel in Manhattan into a captivating garden and gallery infused with a science fiction ambiance. This unassuming structure, famously recognized as the secret base entrance from the iconic sci-fi film Men in Black, will be reimagined to create an immersive experience blending architecture, landscape, and cinematic inspiration.
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Urban Design & Architecture Design Awards 2025
Sci-fi Gallery New York
Future Building Design (Concept)
Firm
Zi Zhuo
Architect/Designer
Zi Zhuo
Design Team
Zi Zhuo
Location
New York, US
Country
United States
Photographer/Copyright
©Zi Zhuo
The project draws from the shared themes of science fiction movies and the site’s urban context. Surveillance cameras, a recurring motif in sci-fi culture, are central to the design. Using the form of a surveillance camera as a spatial prototype and its projection principles as the foundation, the design balances mystery, abstraction, and interactivity.
The building’s exterior adopts an enigmatic, closed aesthetic. This design intentionally obscures the perception of the space from both outside and inside, creating an air of intrigue. Visitors transitioning from the ordinary urban surroundings to the surreal interior will experience a stark contrast, reinforcing the sci-fi narrative.
Inside, the design leverages a dynamic interplay between two-dimensional projections and three-dimensional spaces. Sci-fi imagery is projected onto spherical interiors to generate abstract patterns that blur the line between dimensions. These abstractions inspire tangible spatial forms, resulting in a series of immersive, theme-based environments. Visitors will journey through these otherworldly scenes, losing themselves in the surreal fusion of light, form, and fantasy.
Sci-fi Gallery New York aspires to become a cultural landmark, a “sci-fi launcher” propelling Manhattan into the realm of imagination and futuristic exploration. This project will offer visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the speculative worlds of science fiction in a tangible, sensory-rich experience.