CLIENTConfidential

SERVICESInteriors

LOCATIONNew York, NY

SIZE28,000 sq ft

STATUSCompleted 2019

This New York Investment Firm enlisted STUDIOS as a trusted design partner to relocate and redefine their workplace at 55 Hudson Yards. The client saw this as an opportunity to create a workplace at the intersection of the investment and tech businesses and STUDIOS’ design does just that; striking a harmonious balance between open and raw spaces with intimate and refined moments.

With their lease set to expire at the GM Building, this New York Investment Firm decided to re-evaluate their real estate assets. STUDIOS led them through the evaluation of a shortlist of buildings, illustrating how each suited their desire to combine their two offices—a private equity office and a technology/finance company. Ultimately, the client chose to move to the nearly complete 55 Hudson Yards where both companies could cohabitate on a 27,000 square foot floor.

Occupying a single floor proved to be a design advantage and challenge—creating areas that feel distinct from each other yet free-flowing and cohesive within the continuous column-free space. STUDIOS’ solution sets up a series of architectural transitions—partitions of different materials and opacities and various ceiling interventions at varying heights—between the individual program elements to mark thresholds. As one travels around the floor the subtle changes transport you from open office to cafe to executive offices—all with their own unique feel, but understood within the same architectural framework. The board room has a more polished aesthetic while the open office of the finance/technology group has bold colorful accents and the management office, quiet and refined.

Reception looking south across open workstations to the pantry at the southeast
Reception looking south across open workstations to the pantry at the southeast

A generous reception space features remarkable city views and a plaza-like guest lounge. Pieces from the client’s extensive art collection are featured throughout the offices and inspired the reception desk to be a simple, Judd-like, form in a natural metal texture. The exposed concrete floor and ceiling with a meticulously organized mechanical and lighting approach give the lobby a refined yet raw feel. The entry plaza gives a preview of the opposing sides of the offices—on one end the board room, clad in a warm toned wood, and on the other a custom glass and steel partition gives view to the workings of the office beyond.

STUDIOS worked with Clive Lonstein to merge the clients personal style into the design. The details are polished and the furniture settings curated, including custom solid surface tables which perfectly match the waiting plaza in color and form.

Identifying a clear vision from the executive level, STUDIOS transformed the workplace environment from a closed door private equity culture to an open and varied environment. A majority of the 70-person office moved to an open floor plan—supporting their team-based organization—with drop-in offices and breakout rooms to accommodate the need for privacy or team huddles. The selection of 55 Hudson Yards supported this shift in workspace, with a column-free core to perimeter and 12 foot 6 inch floor to ceiling, transparency abounds. Taking advantage of the expansive views, closed collaboration rooms and support areas are located near the core leaving the perimeter for workstations and gathering moments to be enjoyed by all.

Perimeter workstations and drop in collaboration
Perimeter workstations and drop in collaboration
Private equity workstations and transparent offices
Private equity workstations and transparent offices
Enclosed workstations provide regulatory separation
Enclosed workstations provide regulatory separation
Boardroom and library
Boardroom and library
Boardroom
Boardroom
Library with views north
Library with views north
Drop in offices and closed collaboration spacea
Drop in offices and closed collaboration spacea
Colorblock conference rooms
Colorblock conference rooms
Conference rooms with views to One World Trade
Conference rooms with views to One World Trade

The floor and ceiling have been left exposed, emphasizing the expansive views in all directions through the wrapping floor to ceiling windows. Early in the project it was determined that the best views—into the center of the Hudson Yards development and further south to One World Trade—would be prioritized to the employees and this corner became the large open café with ample seating to accommodate catered lunches as well as alternate work or collaboration space.

As the design team crafted the experience of the full floor, the internal corridor connecting north and south became an opportunity to convert a space that is predominantly functional, into an element of surprise and delight for employees and guests alike. The design includes a black metal mesh to homogenize an otherwise unsightly core ceiling. The lighting illuminates the side walls only and transforms the long hallway into a colorful and graphic experience.

PHOTOGRAPHYBilyana Dimitrova