top of page
Portfolio
OFFICE FACADE MOCKUP
Investigating Daylight Influence on Urban Experience in New York's Office Landscapes
3rd Year Semester 2 Project
URBAN DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND SENSORY ENVIRONMENTS.
This mockup introduces a speculative development on an under-utilized lot in Hell's Kitchen, New York City, setting a new standard in the competitive office real estate market. Focused on the profound impact of environmental qualities—specifically thermal and luminous—on workplace performance, this initial on-site mockup serves as a critical testbed. It evaluates an innovative steel/CLT structural system alongside facade designs that are carefully crafted to control temperature and illumination using passive systems, thereby optimizing interior climates and lighting.
The project is an exploration of distinct zones with varying conditions of heat and light, inspired by research advocating for sensory environments that do not rely on mechanical systems. The facade employs a limited palette of materials—glass and metal panels—selected for their functional properties to modulate environmental conditions effectively. Located strategically in Manhattan, the mockup prioritizes sustainability and reusability in construction practices. Designed to rise three stories and stretch up to 60 feet with 2,500 SF per floor, the structure aims to enhance thermal and luminous experiences across designated spaces for desking, meeting, and socializing, ultimately enhancing productivity and well-being in urban office settings.
GROUND FLOOR.
Inviting Entryway and Dynamic Light Play
The ground floor is designed as an accessible entrance area where metal panels are purposefully elevated above the ground, inviting natural light to guide visitors inside. This level incorporates a mix of desking and social spaces, positioned to harness the benefits of natural daylight filtering through the specialized facade. The layout strategically utilizes light to enhance the welcoming atmosphere and functionality of the workspace, ensuring a seamless transition from the bustling city environment to the interior’s productive zones.
DAYLIGHTING MAP.
DAYLIGHTING MAP.
SECOND FLOOR.
Optimized Workspace Illumination
The second floor is focused on providing optimal lighting conditions for office spaces and a café dining area. It utilizes the building’s design to channel sunlight directly into areas where it can enhance work efficiency and comfort. The interior greenhouse, centrally located, receives ample sunlight, supported by the facade's light-modulating features. By balancing direct and indirect light, this floor maintains a conducive environment for both collaborative engagements and focused tasks, with each zone receiving appropriate lighting tailored to its specific use.
THIRD FLOOR.
Controlled Lighting for Collaborative Spaces
The third floor leverages the unique architectural feature of a perforated ceiling to create engaging light patterns that define the space. This level is home to larger dining and meeting areas, benefiting from a contiguous glazed wall that maximizes light entry from adjacent green areas. Meeting rooms are equipped with windows that offer adjustable natural light, suitable for varying presentation needs. The design of this floor focuses on enhancing the quality of light to foster a stimulating environment for interaction and productivity in communal and formal settings.
DAYLIGHTING MAP.
Luminous Greenhouse and Public Zones
The 'Warm Spaces' of the building, encompassing the greenhouse, collaboration areas, and public zones, are crafted to harness and amplify natural light, creating environments that are both inviting and energizing. The interior perspective and sectional views provide insights into the ground floor public entryway and extend upward through the dynamic spaces of the second floor interior greenhouse and common areas. This allows for abundant sunlight to penetrate deep into the heart of the structure.
Interactive and Social Environments
On the third floor, the greenhouse continues into an upper-level area that merges seamlessly with additional communal spaces. This integration enhances the greenhouse’s role as a solarium, enriching plant life and communal interactions with continuous sunlight filtered through the building’s innovative facade. This design strategy not only encourages social interactions but also fosters a strong connection to nature, enhancing the overall quality of life for occupants within this urban setting.
Focused Workspaces: Library and Office Zones
The 'Cold Spaces' feature areas tailored for concentration and quiet activities, such as the library, meeting rooms, and office working zones. These spaces, detailed in the interior perspective and sectional views, start from the ground floor library and reading room, ascending to the office desks on the second floor. Each space is designed with controlled lighting and a cooler color palette to enhance focus and minimize distractions, creating optimal conditions for productivity.
Calm and Orderly Meeting Areas
The section continues to the third floor, showcasing meeting areas and additional office spaces designed to support formal interactions and focused work. These areas utilize minimalist design elements and sound-absorbing materials to maintain tranquility and privacy. The careful modulation of light and thoughtful architectural choices ensure these spaces remain conducive to professional activities, providing a stark yet complementary contrast to the building's warmer, more vibrant zones.
bottom of page