The New York City subway system is a part of most of our daily lives-- at least once per day. We're used to dealing with subway entrances being blocked off, locked up, and barred off-- but not this one.

No, this is probably the fanciest, most artistic subway entrance in the City. 

The subway portal at 560 Lexington Avenue has been fully redesigned, courtesy of Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill, and it's something out of the future. 

The revamp was part of an overall redesign of the building's lobby and outdoor front plaza. 

The idea was to skirt the subway entrance with a tall contoured glass wall, featuring a giant gate that swings open or closed depending on the time of day or night. 

One unique element of this entrance, as compared to all the rest, is the addition of natural light. 

Most subway stations are dark, but not this area of this station. No, light permeates the lower level because the entrance isn't a skinny staircase, but rather an open air portal. 

Take a look at the photos below; would you want one of these on the bottom floor of your building or nah?

via Contemporist

via Contemporist

via Contemporist

Check out 4 NYC Subway Maps That Are Actually Easier to Read Than the Real Thing. 

[via Contemporist]