A Multi-Functional Space for a NYC-based Real Estate Brokerage

- Advertisement-

Popular Articles

Chair of the Month

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.

Hanging plants infuse this Manhattan office with nature. Image courtesy of Matthew Carbone.
Hanging plants infuse this Manhattan office with nature. Image courtesy of Matthew Carbone.

When was the project completed?   

2017

How much space? 

3 floors, each floor is around 16,000 SF

Was this new or renovated space?

Renovated Space

How many employees?

800

A moss wall provides "a moment of relief." Image courtesy of Matthew Carbone.
A moss wall provides “a moment of relief.” Image courtesy of Matthew Carbone.

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? 

Closed meeting/conference rooms, team rooms, booths, a large multi purpose cafe,  all hands space on floor 11; collaboration tables, nooks, and a games room

What other kind of support space or amenity spaces are provided? 

A rejuvenation room, which is tucked away in corner with jungle wallcovering and a darkening curtain

The office features an open plan with numerous breakaway spaces. Image courtesy of Matthew Carbone.
The office features an open plan with numerous breakaway spaces. Image courtesy of Matthew Carbone.

What is the project’s location and proximity to public transportation and/or other amenities? 

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

The cafe welcomes employees and provides a space to host activities. Image courtesy of Matthew Carbone.
The cafe welcomes employees and provides a space to host activities. Image courtesy of Matthew Carbone.

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

The open-plan office features multiple places employees can get away for quiet. Image courtesy of Matthew Carbone.
The open-plan office features multiple places employees can get away for quiet. Image courtesy of Matthew Carbone.

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.

The strategic use of angles, which reflect the Compass tick mark brand element, was carried through lighting, floor materials, custom wallcovering and other design elements. Image courtesy of Matthew Carbone.
The strategic use of angles, which reflect the Compass tick mark brand element, was carried through custom wall covering, among other design elements. Image courtesy of Matthew Carbone.

 

- Advertisement -

More Articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisement -

Latest Articles

- Advertisement-