Dualities define this renovation of a downtown loft for use by a young architectural practice. Enclosed and open. Dark and light. Raw and refined. Box and line.

With limited means, a partially enclosed box is positioned between existing columns and elevated above the existing floor. Its orientation greets visitors to the studio while blocking views ... read more

Dualities define this renovation of a downtown loft for use by a young architectural practice. Enclosed and open. Dark and light. Raw and refined. Box and line.

With limited means, a partially enclosed box is positioned between existing columns and elevated above the existing floor. Its orientation greets visitors to the studio while blocking views of the workspaces. Frankenstein, a symbol of creativity for the firm, guards the entry gallery.

A steel reception desk terminates the gallery and marks the endpoint of a single line formed by the workstations along the eastern perimeter of the loft. A patch of green below and white cloud above reinforce the diagram. Salvaged fluorescent lights are reorganized above the workstations and suspended with polycarbonate sheet to form a single lighting element.

At $10/sf, the renovation assembles a collection of parts into a new cohesive whole that gives new life to a forgotten space.
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