Lowe, a global advertising agency and a repeat client, asked Spacesmith to design and coordinate their move from their traditionally designed office in midtown Manhattan to a more innovatively designed office in the Soho district. The agency wanted to go from isolated cubicles to a space that would engender creative participation, more representative of the company’s goal for a nimble culture. The agency leased a total of 50,000 sf of raw loft space on three floors and the decision was quickly made to keep the space as open as possible. This allowed natural light to stream into the space from all sides and facilitated communication between all departments. Spacesmith proposed a prototype for a new workstation model called “Benching.” Desks divided by low, colorful, upholstered partitions providing privacy and absorption of sound, can be removed and slid along the desks to accommodate as few or as many workers as necessary within a space.
Furniture can also be arranged in a fashion that helps meet different projects requirements. The design allows for reinterpretation of the space according to the firm’s immediate needs. Multi-colored panels and doors on storage units are interchangeable, allowing employees to personalize their space or department.
If there is a need for utmost privacy, employees can retire to one of two structures called “huts”. These wood-framed configurations are covered on two sides with a white textile that filters out the sun. In addition, alcoves with lounge seating allow multiple opportunities for meetings and privacy when necessary. Visitors can feel the energy of the firm and the excitement of bold colors as soon as they walk off the elevator.