Case Study

Helfand Myerberg Guggenheimer

Introduction

The renovated 6,000-square-foot, 13-foot-high industrial loft, located in Soho, represents Helfand Myerberg Guggenheimer's first collaboration. The project embodies the firm's design principles: Functional architecture rooted in the traditions of modernism which exploit simple geometry and ordinary materials to poetic effect.

Case Study

The project included 30 workstations, an extensive technical library, storage area, as well as production areas and meeting spaces. The result is an exceptional design which synthesizes a lively, humane working environment, while offering opportunities for many different kinds of experiences; both individual projects and group collaborations are readily accomodated. Individual workstations are clustered in four person pods, strung along a row of windows facing north. The space between the workstations and dividing wall becomes a professional gallery for displaying models and project materials and leads to a large conference room at the intersection of the two wings. Partners' offices are organized behind a corrugated screen of shimmering clear plastic panels; this runs perpendicular to the main dividing wall.

The materials that Helfand Myerberg Guggenheimer architects selected include: sanded Homasote, recycled ground rubber, acrylic panels and aluminum dust finish on oriented strand board (OSB).

Conclusion

Helfand Myerberg Guggenheimer architects succesfully executed the basic tenets of their unique design principle— functional architecture rooted in the traditions of modernism that exploit simple geometry and ordinary materials to poetic effect. Material ConneXion and the extensive scope if their Library proved to be a pivotal source for helping this unique firm faithfully execute the strict standards of their governing design principle.