STUDIOS worked with this confidential technology client to bring several different user groups together onto four non-contiguous floors within the historic Adam Grant Building, where they already occupied two floors. To celebrate our client’s spirit and San Francisco location, we developed a design and custom graphics inspired by the pioneering spirit of Northern California. Each of the four floors pay tribute to such trailblazers as the Pony Express, Alfred Hitchcock, gaming innovators such as Atari, and Star Trek (as any Trekkie knows, San Francisco was home to the Starfleet Academy).
By densifying their workspace, we were able to provide over sixty unique collaboration spaces and meeting rooms in a variety of styles and sizes, as well as a large open dining area and game lounge that also acts as an all-hands space. Collaboration and meeting areas are organized around the central atrium to take advantage of natural daylight and ventilation, while providing views across the floors.
Creating a modern work space within this historic building–which was built shortly after the 1906 earthquake–provided a number of challenges and opportunities. Designed prior to standard mechanical systems, the building remains capable of natural ventilation via operable windows and ceiling fans, and is heated primarily by original steam radiators. Due to this unique building design and San Francisco’s mild climate, we were able to utilize natural ventilation to maintain occupant comfort throughout while minimizing the use of mechanical systems to the reception floor, where radiators had been removed by a previous tenant.
To maximize the usable space within this great historic building, which has short floor to floor heights, we gutted years of previous improvements to expose the building’s original steel-encased concrete (and in some cases brick) structure throughout each floor. This allowed for the character of the building to shine through as an important part of a dialogue with the new elements, creating a space that is respectful of its past as it looks to the future. We also used one of the original exit stairs as a vertical connection between all floors occupied by our client, encouraging activity and interaction.
By pairing the client’s pioneering culture with the historic character of the building, we created a lively and inspirational environment that will help attract and retain talent in the highly competitive Bay Area market.
