Real Estate Brokerage in New York City Moves into Multi-Functional Space that Fosters Collaboration and Creativity.
Compass tapped Vocon to design a multi-functional space positioned to accommodate brokers and staff, activities, internal meetings and formal events. They wanted an office that was visually open and with diverse environments that would foster work, collaboration and creativity. To achieve this, Vocon struck a balance of different spaces by offering settings for a variety of different experiences within the workday the space enhances innovation and collaboration. Specifically, the Vocon team designed a series of interlocking zones that include a central collaboration zone, interconnecting stairs, a work cafe and ancillary coffee bars.
When was the project completed?  Â
2017
How much space?Â
3 floors, each floor is around 16,000 SF
Was this new or renovated space?
Renovated Space
How many employees?
800
Describe workspace types.
It’s a multi-functional space with an open plan and enclosed team room offices.
What kind of meeting spaces are provided?Â
Closed meeting/conference rooms, team rooms, booths, a large multi purpose cafe, Â all hands space on floor 11; collaboration tables, nooks, and a games room
What other kind of support space or amenity spaces are provided?Â
A rejuvenation room, which is tucked away in corner with jungle wallcovering and a darkening curtain
What is the project’s location and proximity to public transportation and/or other amenities?Â
A three minute walk to Union Square
What kind of programming or visioning activities were used?
The first step on this project was a planning/restack analysis on how to gain collaborative space out of underutilized office space.
Were any change management initiatives employed?
There was a presentation to brokers and stakeholders to gain buy-in of new space
Please describe any program requirements that were unique or required any special research or design requirements.
A public assembly space on floor 11 with the multipurpose café
Was there any emphasis or requirements on programming for health and wellbeing initiatives for employees?
A pantry was specifically designed to accommodate serving lunch for employees. The space also features a rejuvenation room, as well as a game room and activity space.
Were there any special or unusual construction materials or techniques employed in the project?
Yes, plants hung from ceiling to create the feeling of a natural escape in the city
What products or service solutions are making the biggest impact in your space?
The Vocon team designed a series of interlocking zones that include a central collaboration zone, interconnecting stairs, a work cafe, and ancillary coffee bars. The central collaboration zone, centered in the open office environment, provides a spatial break that visually enhances the open office while providing teams with refuge spaces for both private and group collaboration.
The Vocon team re-branded the fire stairs in the space as both a means of egress and a tool to connect the floors experientially. Vocon created a moment of relief by adding a moss wall and media center, as well as other spaces that foster incidental moments throughout the day.
What kind of branding elements were incorporated into the design?
Strategic use of angles which reflect the compass tick mark brand element. This concept was carried through lighting, floor materials, custom wall covering and other design elements. Meeting spaces and phone rooms all reinforce the brand by use of custom wall covering. Natural elements and plants were added throughout to create the sense of a natural retreat in the city.