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THG Creates ‘Visionary’ One World Observatory at One World Trade Centre, New York

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Award-winning creative design company, The Hettema Group (THG), has announced the opening of their ‘once in a lifetime’ project – One World Observatory at the One World Trade Centre, New York.

Located on levels 100, 101 and 102 at the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, One World Observatory offers visitors panoramic views over New York City and its iconic landmarks.

The customised guest experience, which has been created in association with attractions operator, Legends, employs immersive technological and media-based elements to further enhance the spectacular views of Tower One. Amenities include a retail store, cafes and restaurants.

“We’ve been excited and energised by the challenge to create this unique visitor experience in this special place, and present it in the full context of past, present and future, ” comments Phil Hettema, THG founder.

One of the highlights is a ride in a ‘Skypod’, an elevator that propels visitors to the 102nd floor in under 60 seconds. Immersive, floor-to-ceiling LED technology in each cab displays a virtual time-lapse that recreates the development of New York City’s skyline from the 1500s to present day.

THG Celebrates Opening of One World Observatory at One World Trade Centre,  New York

Other innovations include an interactive skyline “concierge” – City Pulse – and the Sky Portal where guests stand on a 14-foot wide circular disc and see real-time, high-definition footage of the streets far below.

Founded in 2002, THG has created numerous iconic projects including The High Roller, the world’s largest observation wheel in Las Vegas and Beyond All Boundaries, the award winning 4-D visitor experience at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans and, most recently, The Malaysia Truly Asia Centre.

“Of all the tremendous projects we’ve been privileged to work on, nothing comes close to the symbolic importance of One World Observatory, ” says Hettema.

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