A brigade of sleepy photographers arrived at One Vanderbilt with the tools necessary for their craft. Atop the 1,401-foot tall building — the tallest commercial building in Midtown — awaited an experience exclusive to a handful of New York’s press and photographers. As the sun rose on August 19, 2022, these photographers unlocked a new perspective: New York City at sunrise from the fourth tallest building in New York City.
Looking East and West, the photographers captured the rising sun as it reflected off the windows of buildings including the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. Though thousands visit summit One Vanderbilt daily, few have access to its view at 5:15 a.m.
The new lighting breathed life into a skyline New Yorkers see every day. Even for the lifelong New Yorker, the skyline at sunrise is a breathtaking view.
As the photographers looked inside SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, they came face to face with an exclusive immersive art installation created by storytelling studio Kenzo Digital. The project, titled Air, has a permanent mission: temporarily transform the visitors’ relationship with the city, sky, weather, people, and themselves.
The installation features a series of levels with reflective surfaces that warp one’s perception of space. The surfaces differ in size and shape for added distortion.
Whether capturing the installation’s effect on their fellow photographers or the expanding sun, the photographers leaned into their limited exposure to a new perspective on their city and themselves.
The reflections shifted to warmer, brighter hues as the sun rose higher and higher,
The creatives pushed boundaries as they engaged with Air. While some jumped in the air to create shapes with their bodies, others lay on the ground or posed with the skyline behind them. In New York City, creativity never stops.
Once the sun had risen completely, Air still provided the creators with perspective to play with. However, simply capturing the city from one of the highest vantage points available was a necessary feat for the photographers.
Bathed in a healthy morning glow, New York City shone once more for another day of vibrant, bustling activity. As the day continued, the photographers shared their experience with the city. Anyone who wishes can now witness SUMMIT One Vanderbilt at sunrise — without the early wake-up.
Next, check out the 10 tallest buildings in New York City!