New York City awarded six designers in the Reinvent Payphones Design Challenge on Tuesday. The Challenge hopes to get innovators to imagine new uses for the city's aging telecommunication structure, especially as the city's contract with payphone vendors expires in 2014. The 11,412 payphones currently in New York City more often than not go unused. These future payphones could include Wi-Fi hotspots, charging stations, and more.
“With more than 125 outstanding submissions, 11 semifinalists, and six winners, Reinvent Payphones exceeded our expectations and marks another step forward in Mayor Bloomberg’s roadmap to make New York the world’s leading digital city," said New York City Chief Digital Officer Rachel Haot. "From Wi-Fi hotspots and charging stations to alternative energy sources and community art installations, once again New York City proves to be fertile ground for launching groundbreaking ideas that set the global standard.”
Designers were awarded separately for functionality, creativity, connectivity, visual design, and community impact. Take a look at the designs below, and then vote for your favorite here.
(All images and captions courtesy of Mayor Bloomberg's office.)
