Image Credit : Pavel Bendov / ArchExplorer
Project Overview
The revitalized lobby at 685 Third Avenue enlivens the Midtown Manhattan office building by creating moments that foster collaboration and relaxation. With dedicated communal spaces, soothing materials, and lush greenery, the lobby invites tenants to work or unwind in a laid-back and vibrant environment.
New materials were selectively introduced to seamlessly integrate with existing ones, supporting the project's commitment to sustainability, waste mitigation, and recycling. High-performance lighting complements the light finishes to brighten the sub-street level space, while integrated planters border banquette seating. Additionally, a new amenity alcove provides a secluded space for tenants to unwind, supporting the client’s wellness goals.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
OWNER: BGO
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT: Jones Lang LaSalle
ARCHITECT: MdeAS Architects
FF&E: Fogarty Finger
ARCHITECT OF RECORD: MdeAS Architects
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Gilsanz Murray Stefciek LLP
MEP ENGINEERS: STE Engineering
LIGHTING DESIGNER: DesignOne Lighting
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Shawmut Design and Construction
LANDSCAPE CONSULTANT: John Mini Landscaping
AV/IT CONSULTANT: Spectra Audio Design Group
Project Brief
The lobby at 685 Third Ave has been revitalized to provide a sanctuary for tenants, supporting return to office efforts with a flexible lobby and a new amenity space. Supporting the client’s wellness goals, the renovation creates moments for tenants to rest, rejuvenate, or collaborate outside of the office. Thoughtful furniture selection and integrated planters create a destination at the center of the lobby that is intimate while benefiting from the energizing quality of the shared public space. The calming atmosphere is an intentional curation of light, texture, and greenery that encourages visitors to linger and enjoy the space. MdeAS introduced white oak and honed marble finishes to maximize natural daylight as well as high performance lighting and live plants to create a bright and vibrant environment.
MdeAS also made use of an under-utilized storage space to introduce a new amenity for tenants. Acting as a preview of the future full amenity offering, the flexible alcove can serve as a meditation space, collaboration space, or pre-function space for events. Accessed directly from the lobby, the niche offers another scale for gathering or solitude. An adjacent kitchenette supports the amenity, and the LED ceiling panels can be adjusted to match the user’s color and brightness preferences, creating a sense of home away from home.
Project Innovation/Need
A unique addition to the renovation is the rotating art program. Supporting a new cultural program spearheaded by the client, the lobby and amenity space will serve as host to a rotating art series. With this in mind, MdeAS designed the rear wall as a blank canvas with gallery lighting to showcase the various works. The raised podium at the entry was also extended to create an additional seating area that can serve as a reception niche during events. Meanwhile, the amenity alcove was designed with a kitchenette and video wall to serve as a pre-function space. The addition of rotating art throughout the lobby adds an extra layer of inspiration for all those who use the space daily.
The program debuts with a series of solo exhibitions by six artists, all working in unique mediums with a novel approach to connecting with their audiences. The client’s focus on social connection to diverse communities is the inspiration behind this activation. The program is inaugurated with works by Reisha Perlmutter. Perlmutter’s work is best known for representational imagery of women in water, where she explores the unencumbered relationship between body and nature.
Design Challenge
The lobby is challenged by its sub-grade location, receiving lower light levels than standard ground level lobbies. The previous design compounded the problem with a low ceiling, large reflective black columns, and a cumbersome reception desk. MdeAS raised the ceiling as much as possible, introduced light finishes and high-performance lighting, and reduced the size of the reception desk to open the space to natural light. At the entry, a new bleached white oak and LED feature wall is the centerpiece of the design, acting as an elegant light-filled backdrop that transitions the raised entry space to the main lobby. Concealing a 2nd floor boardroom beyond, the wall was constructed entirely during off hours while the tenant remained in place. A dedicated design partnership with the millworker was key to the success of its installation, resulting in an engineered system that supported the considerable weight of the panels while leaving the demising wall uncompromised.
MdeAS also made use of an under-utilized storage space to introduce a new amenity to tenants. The existing space contained MEP equipment that needed to be relocated and still serves as a pass through for many systems. As a result, the ceiling was designed with removable panels to allow access for building management, and ductwork was routed through the base cabinetry, allowing the amenity to be beautiful and comfortable without interrupting building operations.
Sustainability
The renovation of the lobby was strategic, focusing on efforts that would make the most impact while resulting in the smallest carbon footprint. New materials were selectively introduced to seamlessly integrate with existing ones, supporting the project's commitment to sustainability, waste mitigation, and recycling. The existing marble and frosted glass finishes at the entry columns and elevator core walls were kept in place. A custom bleached white oak finish was developed to work in harmony with them, replacing only the reflective black column cladding and desk cladding that previously weighed down the lobby.
The existing white stone floor was honed to reduce reflections, softening the overall ambiance of the space without having to replace the entire floor. The existing dark wood panels in the elevator lobbies were also retained and refinished to a lighter tone that brings in more light and matches the new wood finishes in the main lobby. At the raised entry, the existing flooring was kept in place and a replica stone was developed in partnership with the contractor to be used at the extension. Meanwhile, high-performance lighting brightens the space while reducing energy consumption. The resulting lobby harmonizes existing with new to create a unified transformation that delights.
Interior Design - Corporate & Commercial
This award celebrates innovative and creative building interiors, with consideration given to space creation and planning, furnishings, finishes, aesthetic presentation and functionality. Consideration also given to space allocation, traffic flow, building services, lighting, fixtures, flooring, colours, furnishings and surface finishes.
More Details