In renovating Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, one of the largest privately held commercial buildings in the United States, A+I transformed this collection of showrooms into theMART, a 21st century workspace integrated into the urban fabric of one of America’s greatest cities. With nearly four million square feet of floor space, theMART encompasses four city blocks. Vornado Realty Trust is integrating office space into this iconic showroom building, creating a hub for Chicago’s most creative and technologically innovative companies.
A+I’s design reinvigorated and reconnected historic parts of the building and dramatically changed the way Chicago’s design community—tenants and visitors alike—experience the building.
For over a year, our designers conducted research to determine the best use of this expansive space. The holistic engagement process revealed the necessity for a completely new amenity type an extension of the workplace that promotes varying levels of interaction, with optional food and beverage component offered through an unobtrusive service model.
Situated inside, we introduced a catered lounge at the top of the new Grand Stair called Marshall’s Landing.
Alongside designing the lounge and restaurant space, A+I also conceptualized its name, brand identity, and developed an entirely new service model using a new technology called Kallpod™ which allows patrons to call upon service staff using proprietary technology.
It is a place that blurs the boundaries of lobby, bar, restaurant, meeting, and workspace.
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