VOA-GNY approached Switzer Group seeking a design partner to evaluate their multiple, existing satellite office locations, develop a cohesive design strategy that aligned with their long-term business goals, and provide a sustainable solution to their operational and real estate needs.
Switzer Group met with VOA-GNY leadership to understand the operational and functional space requirements, survey the existing facilities, create a shared vision and program for the project, and explore multiple real estate options through building evaluation reports and testfits prior to the selection of 135 W 50th Street, 9th floor, New York, NY 10024.
VOA-GNY desired an open, flexible, warm, and inviting office space that honored its legacy and provided a sturdy foundation for the next 100 years—a space that fosters teamwork, communication, inter-departmental collaboration, and serves to attract and retain the next generation of team members.
The palette of materials was selected to reflect the impressive history and bright future of VOA-GNY. A nod to the solidity of VOA-GNY, the floors of the elevator lobby and high-traffic areas are polished concrete that provide an elegant and durable finish. A gray carpet was selected for the office space, to maintain a consistent look and feel of concrete, as well as provide acoustic absorption.
Warm walnut panels adorn the elevator lobby walls and are accented with diagonal strips of LED lights that continue to the ceiling and echo the geometry of the VOA-GNY logo. The wood motif is reiterated in the boardroom ceiling, the vertical surfaces of meeting rooms, and office and workstation furniture.
Hexagonal felt panels with integrated LED lighting were installed onto the ceiling of the open office areas to provide acoustic absorption, mirroring the pattern of the 120-degree desks. Sprinkler piping and electrical conduits were coordinated in the open ceiling, and mechanical ducts were concealed in perimeter soffits to maximize the ceiling height above the workstations. Felt was also used for acoustical absorption between desks, in the dining/meeting booths at the main pantry, in telephone rooms, on walls of touchdown tables, and to line the walls of the mother’s/wellness room.
Private offices were strategically placed on the perimeter and outfitted with glass office fronts to allow natural light to enter the open work space. The glass office fronts are symbolic of VOA-GNY’s dedication to being a transparent organization.
Material Used :
Concrete flooring: Ardex
Concrete wall finish: Vitruv
Carpet tile: Modulyss
Walnut millwork: Four Daughters, LLC
Wood ceiling at boardroom: Rulon International
Felt ceiling in open office area: Turf Design
Felt at pantry booths: DFB Sales
Felt wallcovering at touchdown: Fitzfelt
Wellness room wallcovering: Chilewich
Glass office fronts: Infinium
120-Degree Workstations: Innovant
Office Furniture: Innovant
Conference Tables: Bernhardt
Furniture Dealer: Benhar
Sustainable/Environmental Element to Construction
Wood: FSC certified
Felt: recycled content
Glass: recycled content
Metal: recycled content
