Title: Barings New York City Office
Location of Proejct: New York City, New York
Project Completion Date: October 2019
Firm Name: Progressive AE

Short Description: Located in mid-town Manhattan, this satellite location for Barings, a global financial services firm, takes inspiration from their main headquarters while adding in characteristics and flair unique to its downtown location. Modern finishes, clean design, wood accents, and pops of greens and blue give the space a look that will stay fresh well into the future. The use of materials and color makes the space feel complementary, not duplicative, to their headquarters. Intentional placement of space creates an activated and dynamic experience for both client and associate.

Architect's Statement: Prior to renovation, the client occupied part of a floor in a 22-story Manhattan high rise. When the opportunity arose to take over the entire floor, this financial services firm saw an opportunity to grow their talent pool and take on new clients. Additionally, their previous space was simply no longer meeting their needs either functionally or aesthetically.

To help inform the design, programming and spatial studies were done to expand the “user” onto a full floor. The existing building posed several challenges. Built in 1928 and redeveloped in 2006, it consisted of three different construction types, deck-to-deck height ranging between 11-13 feet, the column grid lines varied by center line and spacing, and there were two different building mechanical systems.

Culture and brand reinforcement were important design drivers. The firm’s associates often travel to different office locations nationally and globally and the space needed to represent the diversity and culture of the company. However, it also needed to be relatable and unique to the geographic area. Brand colors are subtly integrated using paint, fabric, and art. The artwork was procured through a local gallery and focused on the work of local artists. Wood accents and tones are replicated from the firm’s world headquarters. Signage and room scheduling systems were integrated and match other locations for consistency.

Moving away from previous campus designs, the NYC office features an activated reception area. The integration of the linear light with the direction in the tiled floor pattern draws the occupant into the space, through the elevator lobby and reception. Coordination with multiple trades was needed to center and align the large digital monitor with the floor transition and clerestory glass intersection. The ceiling material transitions from gypsum board to slatted wood. The material precisely changes color to imply the same plane. The custom reception desk was inspired by a glass art installation and creates a one-of-a-kind look. Layers of polished and unpolished acrylic were stacked and back lit to create the effect of glass, but without the weight and cost.

By locating the break room near the reception area, those entering and leaving are forced to travel through reception. This helps encourages interactions between associates and build culture. The client amenity area and board room, also adjacent to reception, reinforce this same motion. These spaces are also used for catered client events, while being able to accommodate a travelling client or associate looking for a spot to remote work. Counter seating serves double duty as seating for individual work or meetings, while providing access to a coffee bar. A movable reclaimed wood and Corian counter allows for easy access the perimeter radiator.

The board room proved difficult to accommodate because of the number of columns throughout the space. Utilizing the maximum dimension of the floor, the columns were wrapped and incorporated as a feature of the space. A custom table was designed to perfectly fit within the available area. State-of-the-art technology and light controls were implemented. Speaker and microphones are located out of sight above the custom ceiling panels which can be easily removed to access to technology equipment. Careful study and planning were done to find an acoustically transparent fabric that provided a seamless look but did not interfere with the quality of the technology. Custom built credenzas provide ample storage and integrated trash and recycling.

Due to the limited structure heights, the design team vetted various solutions to maximize the ceiling height and provide a necessary acoustical solution in the open work area. Outfitted with adjustable height benching, the use of the suspended, linear acoustical baffles created the feeling of a taller more voluminous ceiling than what really existed. A variety of meeting spaces were intentionally located in-board to help cover duct work and units, limiting equipment needed in the open area, plus giving associate’s access to lighting and views in the open environment. A careful selection of lighting fixtures in these rooms was crucial, as plenum depth was non-existent in some areas.

The core restrooms were redesigned to solve several issues including access, views, and aesthetics. Special attention was paid to view angles and reflections in the new design. Full height partitions were provided, entry doors relocated, and modern touchless fixtures were installed. Touches of wood create a warm and inviting space and pairs with the overall aesthetic of the space. Entrances to both sides of the restrooms were provided to allow easier access.