ABS Collaboration Center | Workplace Co-Design
The new custom designed and fabricated Coffee Bar Hub draws workers together throughout the day
Huddle Rooms provide shared-use private space with natural light and view
Reclaimed wood counter with open ceiling above, glass-fronted offices beyond. Existing carpet tiles reconfigured for new layout
A Study in Sharing Space, Ideas and Thoughtful Recycling
The American Bible Society (ABS) came to us with a very specific request: Help them create a space that would draw together and support some of their many partner organizations. These creative groups are too often sequestered and siloed. ABS saw an opportunity to encourage cross-pollination that would lead to better results for everyone and a more enjoyable work experience. This was also an opportunity to demonstrate leadership, and make ABS's greater mission tangible in time, space and relationships. And it had to be done on a very tight budget and with minimal impact to the natural environment.
For over a hundred years the American Bible Society has been based in Manhattan at Columbus Circle, but their current purpose-built building had many drawbacks. Originally designed by SOM in 1970 with open floors and movable partition walls, 40+ years of continuous use had left it dated and maze-like.
Our approach was to open the center of the space and create a magnet for people to gather, talk and share experiences. Around the perimeter are a series of private enclosed and open work spaces, as well as shared meeting rooms and a large gathering space looking out over Central Park.
We used our collaborative design approach, the Sandbox, to ensure that all the groups who would reside in the space felt ownership, as well as contributed practical wisdom in the layout and feel of the space. We also took seriously our mission to reduce energy and waste in office interior construction. In order to save money and materials we relentlessly reused existing elements, furniture, walls, ceilings, and fixtures. This required considerably more planning and design strategy to achieve the results the client desired.
The results have been dramatic. Hundreds of users have gathered, collaborated, worked and shared the space. In a recent interview one worker credited the space for transforming her workday experience into something truly joyful.
An open conference area overlooking Columbus Circle is used for larger events, and throughout the day as flexible workspace
