Building on the longstanding relationship with David Zwirner, Selldorf Architects was engaged to create their first dedicated workforce headquarters in one of the few remaining Chelsea industrial buildings. With several gallery locations in New York City and across the world, the headquarters occupies two full floors of a historic warehouse building. The client wanted to bring their growing operations together in one location where research, exhibition design, artist liaison, publishing, marketing, IT, human resources, registrar, and online sales departments could interact with better synergy.
Selldorf Architects renovated 36,000 sf of space to accommodate a uniquely flexible workspace environment. The scope includes a full interior fit-out, an outdoor terrace on the lower floor, two pantries, a wellness and mothering room, library, and the design of versatile workspaces and amenities to accommodate expected growth in staff over time.
Exposed brick walls and warm natural pine bookcases and select furnishings balance the overall cooler neutral palette of the workstations and offices. An open, black steel and heart pine staircase provides fluid vertical circulation creating a more holistic and integrated office experience.
The new headquarters was an opportunity to respond to changing post-pandemic priorities in the workplace and maximize well-being through design. Comfortable areas for socialization, privacy and access to fresh air are easily available to everyone. The layout for each floor is designed in an open plan style to encourage communication and collaboration, strengthening interdepartmental connections.
South-facing floor-to-ceiling windows and north-facing arched brick windows provide an abundance of natural light throughout the day along with views of the Highline, the Hudson River, and Chelsea. A transparent glazed partition system lines the north wall at each level enclosing private offices, conference rooms, private phone booths, and break-out rooms. Large glass doors seamlessly connect the indoor spaces with the terrace, inviting staff members to a fully functional and flexible outdoor work environment. Landscape design and benches were designed by KHoyt Architecture.
Modular office furniture, from Vitra, makes the open workstations highly adaptable to both long and short-term change, impromptu meetings, and group workshops. Additionally, Vica by Annabelle Selldorf-designed modular tables, for the Exhibition Design Department’s model making space, can be used individually as worktables or collectively as large meeting tables. Unifying the spacious concrete-topped floor, are islands of soft lounge seating punctuated by rugs. Selldorf-designed acoustic ceiling clouds float above these communal spaces creating comfortable lounge areas for staff and visitors.
