Radical reduction
The 80,000-square-foot office of architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in 7 World Trade Center puts flexible working, the environment, health and safety, and life balance front and centre. The award-winning venue brings "a radical reduction" design philosophy to materials and finishes and focuses on acoustic optimisation.
SOM chose a selection of Kvadrat textiles crafted for furniture, which create a seamless aesthetic and textural harmony with the Soft Cells acoustic panels. Mosaic 2, Drop, and Apparel in warm, neutral notes are used to upholster sofas, stools, and chairs.
The textiles align with the architects' vision of using renewable materials throughout and harmonise with a Kvadrat Acoustics solution comprising upholstered Soft Cells acoustic panels. At the same time, they provide softness and warmth and contribute to healthy air quality.
Ultimately, the workplace exemplifies SOM's conviction that architecture has the power to shape culture. It spans two interconnected floors connected by a timber stair that leads into the café and lounge, as well as amenities for meditation, prayer, and breaks. Work areas are organised around collaboration zones, embodying the principles of openness, mobility, and teamwork.
The offices have been recognised with numerous awards and nominations: WELL Gold, LEED ID+C Gold, 022, Finalist: Wellness/Sustainable, International Contemporary Furniture Fair 2022: Honoree: Medium Office, NYCxDESIGN2022, Structural Engineering Excellence (SEE) Awards; SEAoNY2022, Best of Year Award: Firm's Own Office, Interior Design Magazine2022; Editors' Choice: Interiors-Workplace, The Architect's Newspaper2022; and Best of Design Awards, The Architect's Newspaper.