3 minute read
Unispace - ARCHETYPE
OPTIMISING SPACE BY ENHANCING ADAPTABILITY
A WORKPLACE THAT CAN BECOME MORE THAN A WORKPLACE, ARCHETYPE’S NEW YORK HOME IS WIRED DIFFERENTLY.
Coming from a pre-built space with assigned seating, poor acoustics and inconsistent branding, Archetype needed a refresh to truly uphold their brand and culture. With the goal of pushing the design of the space to its limit, Unispace worked extensively with Archetype’s stakeholders to understand their company goals and staff needs, in order to ultimately create a space that reflected the company’s identity.
In this project, Unispace employed their iterative design method - a process where key decision makers on the client side could see how workplace enhancements would progress via 3D modelling. Throughout the process, Archetype gave their full support and involvement, which allowed Unispace to rapidly implement changes and expedite sign off.
The agile workplace model optimises office space, and also increases areas for socialisation and collaboration.
The agile workplace model optimises office space, and also increases areas for socialisation and collaboration.
The agile workplace model optimises office space, and also increases areas for socialisation and collaboration.
One of the early decisions made by Archetype was to transition its New York office to an entirely Agile workplace model, where staff could sit wherever they felt most productive. This move allowed them to reduce their office footprint by 1,500 sq. ft., while substantially increasing collaborative and social areas. Currently, this includes a large communal entry, café and stepped meeting zone, of which the latter can facilitate everything from coffee nooks to movie nights. In line with their goal to optimise office space, their office does not have a receptionist, and guests are invited to register on a touchscreen in the entryway instead.
Design elements across the space balance warmth with a raw, industrial feel.
Design elements across the space balance warmth with a raw, industrial feel.
While almost all spaces are bookable for use, there is also a specific quiet zone for focus work. Unispace transformed this space from one that would traditionally be used for IT or storage, since it had intrusive Mechanical, Engineering and Plumbing (MEP) ducting. Instead of concealing the equipment, Unispace integrated them into the design of the space, using that as a separation barrier. The system operation was also used in conjunction with furniture as white noise.
The stepped meeting zone, showcasing a graffiti mural with Archetype branding and key New York icons.
The stepped meeting zone can facilitate a range of activities, such as movie nights and coffee meets.
Casual tables and chairs fill the in-house cafe section.
Larger conference rooms feature columns that were deliberately exposed down to the original
Specific quiet zones are dedicated to focus work.
The design also strikes a fine balance between being warm and welcoming, and paying homage to the raw, industrial feel of its location at Park Avenue. To achieve the latter, Unispace purposefully exposed the columns and floors right down to the original terracotta, and added a sophisticated touch by partially enclosing them with wire mesh.
Finally, Unispace incorporated intricate design details throughout the office space. Some key highlights included the use of light sources to differentiate spaces within the office, such as the signature hanging melted globes, serving as a transition point between the café and workplace, and a graffiti mural weaving vibrant colors with Archetype’s branding and icons of New York (such as the Statue of Liberty).
With the revamp, Archetype’s New York office now reflects the brand’s culture and values, and has become a space where every nook and cranny are effectively utilised.
Different types of meeting areas are configured for a range of staff needs.
Almost all spaces in the office are bookable for use, including enclosed meeting rooms.
