Freelon RTP Office Upfit

LOCATION: Research Triangle Park, NC
PROJECT SIZE: 16,000 SQ FT
PROJECT COST: $735,000

This office up-fit is conceived of as a series of discrete objects placed within an existing architectural shell.  The design incorporates formal and informal meeting areas while maintaining a singular open work space subdivided by low partitions to encourage the collaborative culture of the firm. The plan is organized about two primary axes that demarcate major circulation paths and in turn define the thresholds between the public, semi-public, and private spaces.

The primary transverse axis follows a double wythe, masonry wall, which anchors the reception area and forms the primary threshold between the most public reception lobby and the semi-public gallery space.  This axis continues to the east and defines a line about which the semi-enclosed offices and the open office area are arranged. The secondary axis is marked by a free standing display wall, which serves as the primary threshold between the office spaces and the common areas. 

Core elements lie west of this secondary axis and occupy the ‘high bay’ zone of the existing structure.   Within this 18’ high space, the steel framed mezzanine level is inserted, which also serves to ‘cap’ the more utilitarian core areas.  South of the mezzanine is the primary conference room, which is adjacent to the lobby and helps to define the waiting area.

Where appropriate, day-lighting has been maximized along with occupancy sensors for the zoned lighting system. The east portion of the building has been prepped for future growth but serves as a multi-purpose environment for workshops, prototype testing, model building and sample storage.

CREDITS:

Photography: James West