Spacesmith Completes new HQ for New York Legal Assistance Group March 5, 2021
Spacesmith has completed the new headquarters for the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG), a civil legal services organization renowned for combating economic, racial, and social injustice. Image courtesy Spacesmith
The international architecture and interiors firm Spacesmith has completed the new headquarters for the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG), a civil legal services organization renowned for combatting economic, racial, and social injustice. Spacesmith, which collaborated with developer GFP Real Estate LLC and broker Cushman & Wakefield on this two-floor workplace project, transitioned NYLAG from its three-level building occupancy to a 20 percent slimmer footprint, creating an efficient, staircase-connected office that is also welcoming to both staff members and visiting clientele. The office layout incorporates a variety of private, shared, and open spaces to meet the legal services organization’s needs, all in adherence to stringent space allocations and budget parameters. The new, modern environment facilitates workday flow, while conveying the nonprofit’s commitment to quality free law services that are provided in an atmosphere of safety and advocacy. “Consolidating NYLAG’s offices into a more cohesive and inviting space supports the evidence that welldesigned workplaces can help ensure wellbeing and productivity for nonprofits and their in-office client interactions for more successful outcomes,” said architect Marc Gordon, AIA, a partner with Spacesmith. “Streamlining the headquarters with attention to its staff and client needs in updated, aesthetically pleasing, and efficient ways not only affirms NYLAG’s standing as a leading provider of civil legal services but also its daily commitment to aiding people facing justice challenges.”
Of primary importance was the design of the nonprofit’s intake rooms, which Spacesmith designed by incorporating cutting-edge principles of trauma-informed design, such as a warm color palette and natural finishes such as wood that helps minimize new clients’ emotional stress during the intake process. Other areas created in the organization’s 5203-m2 (56,000-sf) workplace include smaller yet more efficient private offices, open workstations, as well as meeting rooms ranging from a single-person focus space to a 59-person conference and meeting facility. To maximize interior natural light in as many spaces as possible, the open workstations align with the longest sides of the building for sunlight exposure, with glass fronts along the enclosed offices at the shorter sides bringing in additional daylight. In client intake rooms, translucent film covers portions of the workplace’s defining glass walls for heightened privacy and a greater sense of safety for clients. Solid wood doors and insulated architectural detailing contribute to acoustic privacy and soundproofing. A café with bar and banquette seating not only inspires a sense of staff community, but also features a modular design that can be transitioned into a meeting or event room when needed. Other amenity spaces consist of lactation rooms, small pantries, and huddle rooms of various sizes to accommodate the teaming, collegiality, and camaraderie inherent in NYLAG’s operations.