Page 68 - ArchDC_Summer 2020

Open workspace. Conference room.

Besides the paper-thin ceiling planes over the
reception area, this motif also appears in the suspended
rectangular lighting fixtures used throughout the space.
These fixtures consist of edge-lit acrylic bars with
diffused bottom surfaces that help to distribute the
light. Seen from one end of the space, the light fixtures
create a crisp two-dimensional composition hovering
overhead, seemingly etched in an ethereal glow.
Even the artwork on some walls of the office
reinforces the theme of thinness. Photographs
depicting eye-catching details from completed HOK
projects are mounted on reverse-bevel backing,
creating knife-like edges similar to those on the ceiling
planes in the reception area. The images thus appear
to be floating slightly in front of the wall surfaces on Typical workspace before renovation. Courtesy of HOK
which they hang.
Offsetting all of that precision and the cool
gray-and-white color scheme are several biophilic therefore chose to include some work surfaces that
elements—that is, materials that reflect nature, whether would allow for that. Among the shared spaces
directly or indirectly. Indirect biophilic elements include is a sleek, sound-proof pod stationed by the main
the wood floor in the reception area, the live-edge maple staircase, which adds a strikingly futuristic touch to the
table in the adjacent conference area, and a smattering otherwise understated environment.
of wood seating. The major direct biophilic element is a “First impressions of our DC studio used to be
green wall—a richly textured tapestry of live plants— underwhelming,” said Beacham. “The interiors really
that terminates the central visual axis running from the didn’t seem like they belonged to one of the largest
reception area and across the main staircase. firms in the world. There was no sense of focus. Now,
As usual in the digital age, the renovation resulted not only does it look like a major architecture office, but
in smaller workstations for most firm members and an we constantly get people ogling through the windows
increase in the amount of shared space. Recognizing just to see into the space.”
that each team within a multidisciplinary firm works The author thanks architectural historians Emily Eig and
in its own way, Beacham invited the various groups to Alyssa Stein, of EHT Traceries, for their assistance in sorting
design aspects of their own areas. The planning group, out the early history of the Canal House.
for instance, still does some manual drafting, and
Conference space created
from a side stairway dating
66 INDUSTRIAL CHIC to the building’s retail past.