PROJECT Bethesda Office
LOCATION Bethesda, ,
PROJECT COMPLETION DATE 10/24/2014
ARCHITECT SK+I Architecture
ASSOCIATED ARCHITECT SK+I Architecture
OWNER/CLIENT SK+I Architecture
CONTRACTOR Clune
PHOTOGRAPHER
Max Zhange
DESIGN TEAM
Sami Kirkdil, Mansour Maboudian,
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT:
An opportunity to rethink how a design firm accommodates varying work styles was the result of outgrowing the firm’s space. The newly renovated space is organized with comfortable collaboration in mind. The lobby is an uncluttered, airy space with concrete polished floors, 11-foot high ceilings, and a long, floating box that functions as a reception desk. Turn left or right, and you’re on the main office path. This elongated spine runs from one end of the building to the other, and it isn’t dedicated to anyone. On either side of the spine, rooms—big and small, formal and informal—encroach on the unclaimed zone. Throughout the studio, community work tables soften the edges between programmed spaces. That flexible, multifunctional layering of spaces happens within rooms, too. For employees, there’s a casual break room with a long lunch table and views out to the city; if they want more space, well, they simply roll open the garage door and take over the conference room. Giving employees this kind of relaxed freedom was a design priority. The idea was to dedicate arguably the best space in the office—in terms of views, light, size—to the creative down time that indirectly adds to productivity. Similarly, the more directly productive spaces promote flexibility and collaboration. These design principles are achieved through careful detailing and doubling up of functions. Seats, for example, double as storage. While employees occupy a third less individual space that the old office, they have considerably more shared space.
IMAGE CAPTIONS & CREDITS
IMAGE 1 Entering from lobby elevator ©2014Max Zhang
IMAGE 2 Circulation adjacent to design library ©2014Max Zhang
IMAGE 3 Interior office ©2014Max Zhang
IMAGE 4 Garage conference room open to kitchen ©2014Max Zhang
IMAGE 5 Kitchen closed from Garage conference room ©2014Max Zhang
IMAGE 6 Studio ©2014Max Zhang
IMAGE 7
Media For Download
Project PDF
Bethesda Office
Category
AIA Potomac Valley > Interior Architecture (AIA Potomac Valley)
Winner Status
- Merit Award
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