The new home for WABC’s “Channel 7 Eyewitness News” combines Clickspring Design’s trademark architecture-centric approach with clever hints of the station’s brand — all selected to resonate with its viewers and showcase the station’s well-known symbols. “Our new facilities in the state-of-the-art complex at 7 Hudson Square are perfectly designed to help us meet the demands of a complex multiplatform media landscape – enabling greater innovation, collaboration, operational efficiencies and partnership across the company,” said Marilu Galvez, president and general manager of WABC. In the nation’s top media market, each of the stations affiliated with the big three networks feature anchors seated in front of seamless video walls (WABC also used one at its old studio), so using architectural concepts not only aligns with a key vein of Clickspring’s design philosophy but also gives viewers a space that still feels grounded in reality and stands out among rivals. “We really try to come to the table thinking of it as if it’s an architectural space that feels interconnected and holistic,” said Emmett Aiello, senior vice president of design at Clickspring. The Clickspring team gave WABC a flexible video wall background, framed with a curved, deep surround and matching mullions juxtaposed with rectilinear header elements and vertical sidewalls, reinforcing the studio’s reality. The mullions create a window-like effect while still leveraging the video wall for standups and field tosses. The design incorporates elements reminiscent of the “bento box” look from the ABC stations group graphics package, although conceived separately. The video wall’s rectangular header and side elements feature a glassy, layered treatment with oversized frosted circle shapes inspired by the Circle 7 logo, created using acrylic with edge lighting. This is backed by a blue painted wall with additional lighting for depth. Lighting in these elements is independently controllable, allowing for varied looks. The main video wall’s “sweeping” look extends to the anchor desk, which combines concave and convex elements. “We very specifically wanted a nice sweep to kind of come through and actually kind of penetrate those shapes, which we did with the kind of main wall,” explained Aiello. The desk includes an LED ribbon along the back of a cubby, referencing the “bento box” theme while adding an architectural element. The desk is movable for a less formal look. A pinstripe structural element running across the studio, mirroring the floor, reinforces the architectural approach and creates cohesion between venues. “At the very beginning, we looked at some New York City subway maps, and we liked the idea of these intersecting, weaving lines,” said Aiello. Clickspring streamlined the look and incorporated it throughout the space. Circular elements, a nod to the Circle 7 logo and ABC “dot” icon, are blended throughout. A sculptural element above the anchor desk is a deconstructed Circle 7 logo. “We were trying to do something kind of unexpected and fun here,” Aiello explained. The weather center features strategically-placed LED tiles peeking through curved segments suggesting the numeral 7. Glassy walls with oversized rings and curves further reference the logo. “We’re always looking for different ways to incorporate the brand mark,” said Aiello. Circles are used texturally on walls, and the weather center’s footprint is roughly circular. The anchor desk’s position allows interaction with talent in the weather center and LED volume, a new take on the “Big Board” concept. Clickspring designed an alternate studio alcove with video walls, a smaller anchor desk, and weather presentation pod, featuring smaller Circle 7 logo interpretations. Clickspring also helped design the sixth-floor newsroom, installing curved, ceiling-mounted LED panels. Studio 4F will house “Here and Now,” “Tiempo,” and other productions, while 4G remains flexible. WABC’s move is part of ABC’s relocation to the Robert A. Iger Building (7 Hudson Square). “The state-of-the-art facility is designed to reinforce our commitment to providing reliable news coverage ensuring that we can continue to reach our viewers anytime, anywhere, and on any device,” WABC stated. Photos courtesy WABC. Renderings courtesy Clickspring Design.