FACILITY SPOTLIGHT: HLW
Published on: January 26, 2021
HLW had been at its previous location at 115 Fifth Avenue for 35 years and felt the space no longer reflected its culture. The space started to become a hindrance, and fundamental changes that would have had to occur to make it fit would have been cost prohibitive and, ultimately, still not ideal. In addition, many of its clients were on the west side and that – coupled with what HLW saw as the resurgence of that area with Hudson Yards, Manhattan West and the Moynihan Train Station – made it the logical place to be. This relocation was made possible by its exceptional project team:
Architect: HLW
Project Manager: N/A
GC: Affinity Building Solutions
MEP: AMA Consulting
RE Broker: Savills Studley
Furniture: SOS/Haworth/FCI
The goals for the new space for HLW were as follows:
- A space that is more reflective of its culture and how HLW works and engages
- A space that makes them feel connected, visually, psychologically and physically
- A space that reflects its rich history but is not immersed in it
- A space that speaks more to process than the product
- A space that gives them the opportunity to experiment
- A space that is environmentally responsible
- A space where nothing is “back of house”
The technology needs for the new space focused primarily on more interactive and collaborative technologies. These included installing voice-activated audio and teleconferencing technology for staff meetings with its global offices, VR technology and designated areas within the office for both internal and client presentations, Next Lab with 3D printing and VR capabilities, and more integrated and seamless conference room AV technology.
Employee perks in the new space include sit/stand desks, better beverage service and food, options for where and how to work, better technology, and bike storage.
The biggest challenge around the move was culling 130+ years of “stuff” and deciding what to bring to the new space. HLW decided to donate much of its material to the Avery Library at Columbia. This allowed it to continue to be shared with the design community.
Another challenge of the new space was getting the staff to become more comfortable with the idea of their offices being in a new neighborhood. Fortunately the “new” building is an old print building with good bones. The floorplate has a central core and divides the space into two studios, with the north wall of the space abutting another structure.
They needed to design a visually connected space that maximized natural light. In order to visually connect the two halves of the floor and filter as much light to the interior as possible, a strategy of floating planes was implemented to define the enclosed spaces. These planes, connected by a membrane of glass, allow visual connection and natural light to penetrate to the building core, as well as allow visual connection across the building.
Special thanks to the HLW project team for the virtual tour and project overview.
0 Comments