New York, NY - Space planning and corporate interior architecture firm MKDA has created a custom-designed office space for option pricing and risk management software development company WhenTech at Downtown Manhattan's most high-profile office building, 7 World Trade Center. The space is located on the building's 34th floor where MKDA also created a full-floor pre-built program on behalf of the building's landlord, Silverstein Properties.
"We have created two floors of pre-built office suites, or incubator spaces, throughout the 52-story building for small companies that wish to call 7 World Trade Center home. Both pre-built spaces and custom-built spaces offer the building's tenants unique space options in which to grow their businesses," said MKDA President Michael Kleinberg.
To fulfill WhenTech's requirement for a transparent office space that would compliment its breathtaking views, MKDA created a bright white shell consisting of white walls and flooring that includes poured glossy white ARDEX, a multi-toned pony hide area rug, and off-white Interface carpet tiles throughout the private offices, which are punctuated by a single row of yellow carpet tiles leading to the windowed cityscape.
In addition, the design firm gave the private offices all-glass fronts and doors. Glass windows were installed between offices, and a single, electrically polarized glass partition, which turns opaque at the flick of a switch for privacy, was installed between the only conference room and an adjacent office. Low desks and workstations, featuring whitewashed wood and green Lucite paneling, were installed to allow for additional transparency and staff collaboration.
The MKDA also team designed a unique conference room table that features a translucent sky blue Lucite tabletop and metal legs painted with glossy white automotive paint. White chairs and a white credenza with white back-painted glass doors further distinguish the conference room. MKDA fast-tracked these custom design elements, initially discussed during the leasing phase, so that the company's space and move-in requirements were met on time.
WhenTech isn't the only firm leasing on the building's 34th floor to require MKDA to custom-design its office space. The interiors firm also created custom designs for law firm Kostelanetz & Fink, real estate company Scout Real Estate Capital, and IVC America.
"MKDA not only created the floor's pre-built program but also four individual custom-designed office spaces, ensuring that each of the tenants' objectives were successfully met. In the end, all of the office environments retained the spirit of the high-end, sustainable building while also asserting their own corporate brand," said Kleinberg.
Custom touches for Kostelanetz & Fink include light teal-blue carpets and white walls with touches of dark espresso in the millwork and furniture in addition to contemporary chairs with exposed polished chrome. MKDA captured the spirit of the building for Scout Real Estate Capital, while also maintaining the company's traditional elements, by creating a warm office environment outfitted with sandy monochromatic carpeting, white wainscoting and natural textured wall coverings.
"In addition, MKDA worked to meet each of the Port Authority's code requirements and to pass each of these standards. All materials, down to wall coverings, had to be rigorously tested," said MKDA Director of Architecture and Principal Jerry Herman.
