Human Rights in China
New York, USA
Human Rights in China (HRIC) is an international organization founded by Chinese scientists and scholars, following the uprising at Tiananmen Square, to promote and protect the human rights of those living in China. Having outgrown its New York City headquarters, HRIC acquired an adjacent space of 3,500 sq. ft. and commissioned Davis Brody Bond Aedas to design the expansion.
Because the client’s requirements called for more space than they had, a design was created that allowed for a flexible and easily transformable work space. To achieve this, the architects created an office framework based on the technology of compact shelving, with each storage unit serving several needs.
The individual units serve as walls, storage systems, and work stations. As they are on a movable track system, the units can be easily reconfigured to accommodate various situations, such as conferences, receptions, board meetings or exhibitions. All units are color-coded according to program designation. The overall site constraints, more than a third of the ceiling is covered by HVAC duct distribution serving the entire floor in the Empire State Building, are mitigated by the dynamic fit-up.
Located on the on the 33rd floor of the Empire State Building, the space offers scenic views of midtown and upper Manhattan.
Awards
- AIA New York Chapter, Interior Architecture Honor Award, 2005
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