Architecture Office

SoHo, New York City
3000 sq ft
Office Building

This project is for an architect starting their own firm in the SoHo area of New York City. The project is on an infill site, with buildings adjacent to the north and south. There is a public street to the west and a raised public walk to the east.

The structure consists of exposed concrete columns and beams organized on an AB grid that creates a wide and narrow bay system. The narrow bay becomes the service spaces, and the wide bay the served spaces. The walls are a mix of floor-to-ceiling glazing and CMU infill. The southern façade is glazed to utilize the alley as a light well. The western façade is cantilevered to create balconies and is louvered to provide protection from direct sunlight. The change in elevation is negotiated in section by placing the courtyard and the architect’s private office on top of the boiler room and storeroom.

As you ascend the floors, the spaces become more private. The first floor is the most public, with the reception area and meeting room. The second floor houses the model shop and staff lounge. The third floor is the studio space, which has a pitched ceiling. The north side of the pitched roof is glazed to flood the studio with indirect natural light. The courtyard acts as both a light well and a space for workers to enjoy a lunch break or pleasant weather. The tower on the northeast corner of the site is the architect’s private office and has its own courtyard, great for informal meetings with clients or colleagues.