Vote on the next logo for the city’s privately owned public spaces

Some 600 designs were submitted from more than 50 countries

New Yorkers have a chance to make their mark on the city's privately owned public spaces (POPS) and cast their vote on the more than 600 logo design submissions aimed at making the pedestrian plazas instantly recognizable.

Designs from more than 50 countries poured into the Department of City Planning's competition to reimagine signage that signals to New Yorkers and tourists alike that certain lobbies, atriums, and green spaces are accessible to the public. Those spaces often go unmarked or skirt city rules with misleading signage or barriers. The new logo would serve as a clear, identifiable beacon to passersby that they are welcome to the city's more than 550 POPs, according to the director of the Department of City Planning.

"We're looking for a logo that's instantly recognizable and clearly identifies these delightful indoor and outdoor spaces as open to the public," said Marisa Lago. "POPS are created for the public, so we're asking you to help us pick a logo."

Vote for your favorite submission online starting noon Wednesday through April 2 at noon. Participants can only cast one vote, so choose wisely. New Yorkers will also have a chance to physically peruse the submission at an upcoming public exhibit. A date, time, and location will be announced on the competition's website.

The three logos with the most votes will then be included into a review by a seven-person panel, which along with the public vote, will select up three awardees to receive $2,000. From these logos, Lago will select one to become the official POPS logo—the winner will receive an additional $2,000. Funding for the competition is being provided in part by the design firm Knoll.