The
Fund for American Studies is a non-profit organization promoting the
advancement of freedom, democracy and free-market economies. In this project Studio Twenty Seven
Architecture was asked to assist TFAS with an adaptive reuse of their historic
structure to meet expanding educational and office needs.
The 8,000
square feet of existing space within the historic building was
compartmentalized and had to be reconfigured in a more open way to meet the
organization’s expanding size and to reflect the non-profit’s ideology of
freedom and free-markets. To meet this
goal the architects demolished the interior partitions and inserted new walls
to program a more effective working and learning environment.
The language of the
new partitions is one of smooth, crisp lines and transparency of views and
light. The new walls draw a distinction from
the ornately decorated existing structure, which features heavy crown molding
and classical accents. The introduction
of bright colors, new lighting and clean detailing create a discernible contrast
between old and new.