In moving from Midtown Manhattan to the Meatpacking District, Sullivan, a brand engagement firm, sought an office space that would promote creativity, respond to the vitality of its neighborhood, and make use of the floor-to ceiling glass afforded by the new location.
The design responds by breaking the space into three conceptual zones: perimeter, core, and interstitial space or creative zone. The perimeter zone houses the various work stations in an open, non-hierarchical environment that provides uninhibited views of the city beyond and the Highline passing directly below. The core responds in the opposite way, turning inward, consolidating and concealing functional elements into a compact linear bar. The third conceptual zone comprises the interstitial space between perimeter and core that includes circulation and reception, pin-up alcoves, and several pods or break out workstations uniquely identified by stenciled graphics painted directly on the concrete floor.
Due to both a modest budget and a desire to create an impact on visiting clients, the perimeter zone is left largely raw with exposed ductwork and black-painted fireproofing while the core is gypsum board painted white with inset casework. Emphasis is instead placed on the third (interstitial) zone whose primary feature is a milled drop ceiling that responds to the grain and motion of the Highline below. Constructed from lightweight MDF with a high gloss paint finish, the milled hemispheres dilate to integrate lighting and fire suppression systems. The pattern itself further acts as a wayfinding device, hovering over the circulation and reception areas and swelling in proximity to one of the two conference rooms that enjoy expansive views of the Hudson River or the Empire State Building.
Photography by © Timothy Schenck Photography