Over the next month, traveling through the West 4th Street subway station will be a stunning visual experience. As you swipe through the turnstile, “Design by New York,” a design and architecture-focused exhibition, awaits.

“Design by New York” is the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter and The Center for Architecture’s annual member showcase. The exhibition includes photographs of 188 architectural projects designed by New York-based architects.

The exhibition is part of Archtober, New York City’s Architecture and Design month-long festival, which includes lectures, building of the day tours, exhibitions and programs.

This display is inspired by station domination, an advertising strategy companies use to promote their products in subway stations. Instead of publicizing consumer goods, “Design by New York” creates a marketing campaign for groundbreaking design and focuses on the creative talent of New York-based architects.

Established architects submitted their projects based on their emotional and personal connection to them. Projects of all scales and from all over world are represented, including schools, memorials, transportation structures, retail spaces, conceptual designs and cultural institutions.

Rick Bell, executive director of AIA New York, said the subway station serves as the perfect location to incorporate design into the public domain.

“Having six different lines coming from and leading to different parts of the city attracts a diverse group of people, complementing the diversity of buildings [and] cities, around the country and from all over the world displayed in the show,” he said.

The selection process for the work included in the exhibit was entirely democratic and inclusive.

“No curator said ‘no’ to any project,” Bell said.

Photographs that stand out in the exhibition include those of the Aurora House in Oregon, designed by contributing architect Andrew Heid. Heid’s work is dedicated to the radical exploration of nature, ecology and urbanism through innovative architecture.

CAS sophomore Raka Sen, who is studying urban design and architecture, appreciates the concept behind “Design by New York.”

“I think this concept of incorporating design into everyday life and public domain is really great,” Sen said. “The modern architect doesn’t receive that much credit unless they are among the highest in the upper echelon of architects.”

To visit “Design by New York,” enter at the station at the corner of West 3rd Street and 6th Avenue. The exhibition is free with subway admission and will be on display through Nov. 4. For a complete guide to Archtober events, visit www.archtober.org or stop by the Center For Architecture at 536 Laguardia Place.

A version of this article appeared in the Thursday, Oct. 28 print edition. Paige Brott is a staff writer. Email her at [email protected].