Communication design studio 80/20 specialize in improving digital world, user experiences. If the user experience of their real world (their NY loft office space) is anything to go by, they must be good at what they do.
Their brief to NY designer Magdalena Keck (a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory) was straightforward and clear: Respect and build upon the architectural bones of the original loft while promoting creativity, teamwork, and play. The designer restored the openness of the loft, which had been chopped up by previous attempts to carve up the space, and removed several interior partitions as well as the boarding off of two of the four large windows. She then set about creating an open-plan work area that incorporates workstations and a variety of meeting spaces (including a floating conference room and an open plan kitchen); using the 3,320 square footage of the loft to its full effect.
Photography by Jeff Cate.
Above: The kitchen is in the center of the space and serves as a casual meeting spot and heart of the office.
Above: The entry to 80/20’s office features neon lettering on a dark gray wall. The 13-foot-high sliding conference room door in the background emphasizes the height of the loft.
Above: The length of the loft space includes open plan workstations, a floating conference room, a lounge area, and a kitchen. After the numerous interior partitions were demolished, the cast iron columns were restored to their former glory.
Above: The conference room partitions were constructed out of shipping paper tubes and glass.
Above: Customized vertically mounted fluorescent tubes by Viso hang from the ceiling of open lounge area. The furniture is by Cappellini, Suite NY, Environment, and Paola Lenti.
Above: Capo Chairs by Cappellini surround a coffee tables which is made of stacks of books strapped together supporting the glass top.
Above: Warm Front 2 prints by Norman Carlberg complete the neutral palette highlighted with black and white accents. The Antenna workstation by Knoll is paired with an Aeron chair by Herman Miller.
Above: The conference room features a custom square solid maple conference, an oversized lighting fixture, and marker paint walls. The conference room chairs are upholstered with a synthetic ecological material that closely resembles leather.
Above: The character of the loft was also preserved in the bathroom though the use of industrial plumbing fixtures, original wood floors, and tall floor bases.
N.B.: The open spaces of loft living can be liberating but daunting at the same time. To see other creative solutions of loft living, see 121 images of Lofts in our Gallery of rooms and spaces.