A Philip Johnson-designed masterpiece, the New York State Pavilion was the shining star of the 1964-65 World’s Fair, charming millions of visitors who flocked to Queens for the two-year celebration. From its towering “Astro-View” observation decks to the open-air “Tent of Tomorrow,” it was unlike anything anyone had ever seen. Fast forward to today. After decades of disuse and deterioration, this one-of-a-kind structure is poised for a dramatic comeback…but as what?

Presented by the National Trust and People for the Pavilion, and sponsored by Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, the New York State Pavilion Ideas Competition is an “anything goes” approach to radically re-imagine one of New York City’s most iconic buildings and a defining landmark of Queens.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation and People for the Pavilion have partnered with Queens-based non profit RPGA Studio to invite communities to experience, imagine, and represent their vision for the future of the New York State Pavilion at the Queens Museum.

Participants will have the opportunity to experience the New York State Pavilion through Virtual Reality (VR). The VR experience developed by RPGA Studios allows participants to wear goggles that will provide them with an immersive experience of the structure from within. Additionally, RPGA has developed a low-tech version of VR using a lens, a printed image, and the creative use of perspective to deliver an inspired yet simple experience of the Pavilion.

After experiencing the building first-hand, participants are invited answer the question; “how do you see the future of the New York State Pavilion?” RPGA designers will be on site to assist with the development and representation of ideas via an easy-to-use design software called Sketchup, or through paper and pencil. Finally, participants will be able to submit their ideas directly to the Competition website at www.NYSPideas.org.

RPGA Studios believes that by utilizing technology to engage communities in experiencing history first-hand, and by allowing individuals to work openly and collaboratively, it is possible to foster the development of exciting and informed new ideas about public spaces. In this way, RPGA will use new advances in technology to highlight the potential of the Pavilion, while bridging the gap between past, present, and future.