Inside TransitCenter

Office Spotlight: 1 Whitehall St

In 2016, MCDC designed TransitCenter‘s new office in New York. We spoke with MCDC and learned more about their elaborate design. 

SquareFoot

What’s the first thing someone would notice in this office?

MCDC

Upon stepping off the elevator of the 11th floor of a mid-century Wall Street office building, one is immediately struck by the juxtaposition of the modern double glazed exterior doors of this ground-breaking not-for-profit transit advocacy group. Enter through these doors and a graphic neon interpretation of the NYC subway system mounted on a plywood façade greets visitors, announcing that this is no ordinary workspace. This is a place where change happens, for the benefit of all New Yorkers.

SquareFoot

What does this office say about the company you designed it for?

MCDC

TransitCenter required an office that reflected the modernity and ambitions of the organization. A space for regular large events, contemplative work and collaborative engagement; a space that can transform from peaceful workspace to host of a speaker series in a heartbeat. Most importantly, the space needed to communicate the ethos of the work: contemporary, efficient, and motivated by the good of the people. It was a true challenge to communicate this all through the physical space design.

SquareFoot

Describe the layout of this office. How does this office design encourage creativity, productivity, and team happiness?

MCDC

This project benefited from a true rarity when it comes to NYC workspace: the luxury of space. The office contains a library, two self contained meeting rooms, two phone/conversation booths, an open work space, a large standing area/conversation station, along with a large lounge and open kitchen. The key to the space is a formal meeting room with receding walls, such that it can host a formal board meeting for 20 or a large open gathering for 100. The space is utterly transformable. What is most remarkable is how calm and tranquil the space feels given its frenetic locale just a stone’s throw from the financial heart of the western world. It is a place for quiet contemplation, collaboration, inspired thought and idea sharing.

SquareFoot

What does the space do best?

MCDC

The greatest strength of this office is its ability to perform a variety of functions simultaneously. It can host a workshop for 50 and minutes later revert back to a studious office. The staff in their entirety can gather around the kitchen for a shared meal or sit together in the lounge and put their feet up. Up to 10 meetings can be held privately in the 5000 sq ft space simultaneously each with a good degree of privacy. There is always a place to retreat and find quiet among the buzz. It offers a remarkable degree of versatility for relatively compact space.

SquareFoot

What went into choosing the colors and materials for the office’s decor?

MCDC

The materiality of the office design drew its inspiration from the organization’s ethos: understated, studied, refined yet bold. The space feels welcoming yet serious; warm and deep; authentic, layered and one of a kind.

SquareFoot

What is your favorite part of this office?

MCDC

I truly love every square foot of this space, but if I had to choose one spot it would have to be the library. This cozy nook features walls papered with recycled newspaper, with seductive lounge chairs and an utterly peaceful vibe. You can close the door and pick up a book and forget where you are: this is something rarely possible in an office space, particularly in the heart of New York City.

Photographer: MCDC

Designer: MCDC