When the organizational hub of Open Society Foundations sought to create a new headquarters in Manhattan, the team brought on Tirmizi Campbell to create a democratic, equitable, open, and flexible space that would reflect the fundamental principles and the global identity of their organization.
Tirmizi Campbell completed a gut renovation of the interior, including ten floors of office space and the rooftop, to accommodate the Open Society Institute's 400 employees. The architecture of the landmarked structure, built in 1909, set the physical parameters for the design. Tirmizi Campbell stripped the structure down to its bones in some areas, exposing the building's steel columns, creating a less corporate aesthetic.
The team restored the historic lobby and added two custom light fixtures bringing contemporary touches to the space's gothic aesthetic. Upstairs, each office floor has its own identity. Tirmizi Campbell applied four different color palettes'red, blue, yellow, and aqua'to eight levels so that the staff could identify each floor by a given color. Each office floor has a pantry with seating, a conference room with windows looking out onto 57th Street, open meeting areas, and workstations with ample space.
Lunchtime provides a unique experience for OSI staff. The dining room, filled with natural light thanks to its glass-enclosed structure, is located on the top floor. Inside, punches of color found on upholstery are set against a neutral color palette with gray at the forefront. The top floor's terrace offers a dining option outside with an abundance of greenery, steel mesh seating, small cafe tables, and a view of Midtown Manhattan.
Tirmizi Campbell's transformation of the OSI office resulted in an open, flexible space that reflects the company's values, mission, and community.