| The project VIL is an interior build-out in an existing warehouse for the local headquarters of the digital content and production agency Conscious Minds. The main architectural feature of the 6,000 squarefeet building is a continuous surface sheet forming an articulated ceiling and simultaneously folding around two conference spaces. The digital surface manipulation follows in part pragmatic stipulations such as space height, existing structural posts, programming and a budget of $280,000. It also creates a divided two-material sheet that appears to artificially tear at the seams to allow glimpses into the otherwise enclosed conference rooms the surface stretches around.
From the beginning, an emphasis was put on creating an interior for multiple uses and purposes to suit the flexibility needs of a content and production provider. The client requested a highly flexible space that allows staging scenarios and different team configurations for their varying client-base. At the same time it was suggested to establish a contemporary architectural leitmotif that allows distinguishing the studio from common open floor plan warehouse offices within a fixed budget.
The friction between program and the existing warehouse space became the main driver of the architectural design. Two new conference spaces, strategically placed in the lower open space portion of the warehouse, are acting as embedded objects in a continuous single skin-surface, seemingly inflating the same surface. This object vs. object dialogue also initiates the artificial shredding of the silhouetting skin in multiple locations allowing some fragments of the rupture to fold back into the programmed spaces, offering opportunities for apertures.
Private offices, lining the exterior walls, are facing the main open workspaces, which are centrally anchored by the two conference spaces on both ends. The main conference space also forms simultaneously the lobby space with an unfolding lounge component. A large two-story space serves as main staging area with various social amenities such as kitchen, library and broad room-spanning stairs that connect the outdoor via a 24ft wide sliding door, giving large flexibility to the use of this space and connection to the exterior.
Materially the project retains an organic, natural appearance, dominated by the use of raw plywood sheets. However, the material attitude is purposefully ambiguous allowing the material to perform occasionally as soft corners or as hard edges. The material split follows the linear rupture along the main direction of the space allowing the plywood to enter a formal dialogue with the white drywall.
Formal and material components together articulate a visual, graphic narrative throughout the interior build out, enhancing the spatial effect and creating thus an identity of ‘a space of wonder’ for the creative office.
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