Black and white graphic of a circle made of tiny lines

Unrealized Project

Galvanizing KCG’s Culture of Data Science

Client

KCG

Challenge

As part of designing their new global HQ in New York’s Brookfield Place, KCG sought to express a culture built on an expertise in quantitative finance, algorithmic thinking, and micro alpha trading–what drives their most talented data scientists–in the epicenter of their trading floor.

Opportunity

Harness data sets and proprietary trading algorithms to design a central sculptural lighting element powered by the math and science of KCG’s own IP, and bathing quant traders with light effects driven by their own mathematical impacts on the market. Collaborate with the interior architects at Ted Moudis to ensure strategic and programmatic continuity.
Render of final design with interactive sculptural installation suspended in the space
Render of final design with circular interactive sculptural installation suspended in the space above a stairwell
Moodboard image of graphic arrangement of black circles on white background, diving into smaller and smaller rows
For reference only, credit unknown

Giving Form to Financial Algorithms

In order to inspire the thousands of KCG’s data scientists writing the algorithms at the heart of modern finance, we had to distill the mathematics of micro-alpha trading in a visual form that is both authentic and accessible. Just as one might see the familiar spiral of the Fibonacci series manifested in natural elements, we developed a set of mathematically related circular forms that could carry meaning through light and movement.
Animated circular patterns, reminiscent of clocks, that embody rich data sets
Traditional architectural sketch of sculptural installation (in blue color) in the HQ space from an overhead perspective

Dimensionalizing The Storytelling

After defining a graphic representation of the algorithms in form and animation, we extruded the expression into a conical shape that optimizes view-ability, programmatic needs, and creates a “cultural canopy” to envelop employees in the mission and mindset of the KCG brand. The installation itself is designed to grow and change based on the markets, inviting the traders to see evolution over time.
Traditional architectural sketch of sculptural installation (in blue color) in the HQ space, from the perspective a person in a room with a window facing the open space
Traditional architectural sketch of sculptural installation (in blue color) in the HQ space, of a slightly more complex design
Sketch of different configurations of the sculptural installation in space
Render of a different arrangement of sculptural installation in space, from a low perspective
Diagram of examples of storytelling achieved through circular structure
Animated render of 2D animations above in 3D reality
Render of sculptural installation lit up
Close up of vertical light structures that the installation is composed of
Woman standing in front of circular aperture with spring content behind sheer curtain

Client Project

Enchanting Buyers With Nature-Driven Luxury

Client

Fenton Whelan

Challenge

As part of their larger sales strategy, Fenton Whelan wanted to create a luxury residential sales gallery that would give buyers the opportunity to envision life lived in Park Modern, their luxury residential building with a privileged position overlooking Hyde Park.

Opportunity

Create a luxury sales gallery experience that connects buyers with the proximity of Hyde Park’s four seasons as they unfold through the lens of Park Modern’s ultra lux, parkside residences. Create a world just beyond reality, where the sensorial aspects of nature’s proximity are felt as hyper-real, stylized visions of seasonal change and unique perspectives.
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