jul 20, 2016

‘urby staten island’ is a residential development in new york that places a strong emphasis on experience and community. located on the north shore waterfront, it is the largest new construction development in the borough, with a total of 900 apartments and 35,000 square feet of commercial space. the scheme is the first in a planned series of developments set to open in other cities, with the next urby expected to open later this year in jersey city.

the residential development seeks to place a strong emphasis on experience and community

urby staten island has been conceptualized by real estate firm ironstate and dutch architecture and interior designersconcrete. conceived to offer a better rental-housing product, the concept is geared towards ‘contemporary urban residents’. alongside studios, and one and two-bedroom apartments, urby offers a range of social spaces that encourage neighborly interaction. these include an urban farm, a communal kitchen, and an apiary that encompasses several beehives.

the concept is geared towards ‘contemporary urban residents’

measuring a total of 5,000 square feet, the scheme is organized around one of new york city’s largest urban farms. the plot grows over 50 varieties of produce and includes a greenhouse and picnic tables for shared dining and composting. the facility even has its own farmer-in-residence. a large communal kitchen teaches culinary classes, hosts chef tastings, and incorporates produce from the urban farm within gourmet meals. beehives are located on the roof with the goal of producing honey to be served in the on-site café.

a large communal kitchen teaches culinary classes and hosts chef tastings

the development also includes a 5,100 square foot fitness center, an outdoor pool, landscaped courtyards with fire pits, wi-fi enabled green spaces, and a 300-car garage. the LEED certified project features a number of environmentally conscious elements such as filtered water filling stations in the lobbies, electric car chargers in the garage, and storage for up to 500 bicycles.

the scheme is located on the north shore of staten island

individual apartments come equipped with built-in wardrobes, storage spaces, bookshelves, window treatments, lighting, and wi-fi. residents have keyless building and apartment entry through smart technology systems located throughout the development, while every apartment comes with its own washer/dryer. urby also features 35,000 square feet of commercial space, which will soon include a selection of boutique restaurants and shops.

the scheme is organized around one of new york city’s largest urban farms

located on the north shore of staten island, the development is just a few minutes away from the st. george ferry in the neighborhood of stapleton. urby provides views of the statue of liberty, verrazano bridge, brooklyn, and lower manhattan. ironstate’s transformation of the site — which was a former U.S. navy yard — is part of the city’s $32 million USD plans to reconnect the community with the waterfront esplanade.

the development includes a 5,100 square foot fitness center and an outdoor pool

residents have keyless building and apartment entry

apartments come equipped with built-in wardrobes, storage spaces, and bookshelves

studios, and one and two-bedroom units are available

the scheme is part of the city’s plans to reconnect the community with the waterfront esplanade

mar 21, 2016

architecture and interior design firm blitz has completed the new headquarters of internet security companymalwarebytes. to accommodate a rapidly expanding staff, malwarebytes commissioned blitz to design 50,900 square feet of office space over two floors in a multi-tenant building in santa clara, california. the workplace provides expansive views of silicon valley and overlooks levi’s stadium, the home of the san francisco 49ers.

a large interconnecting stair is the focal point of the office

  

moving from private offices and cubicles to open-plan workspaces signaled a dramatic change in approach. the scheme seeks to remove employee isolation in favor of fluid space and culture. in order to create an engaging and dynamic environment, teams are organized in ‘neighborhoods’ that flow outward from the main entrance. each neighborhood has team-specific amenities — such as touchdown spaces, task-specific storage, and three gaming rooms — to support their function.

the area serves as the main presentation area

a large interconnecting stair is the focal point of the office, serving as the main presentation area. the amphitheater is adjacent to the board room, large work-cafe, and pinball machine corner, creating a cultural hub.tucked underneath the main stair is a ‘secret’ bar inspired by 1920s speakeasies. entering through a blind door, black chevron marble tiles line the walls and draw the eye toward the views of the stadium and the mountains beyond.

underneath the main stair is a secret bar inspired by 1920s speakeasies

set against a neutral black background, bright colors and organic wood elements contrast the natural light that enters from the building’s large windows. the textured carpet, wall coverings, and custom colored light fixtures, are complemented with steel, copper, stone, marble and ceramic detailing. the darker hues and materiality reference the staff’s keen interest to the star wars universe. blitz worked with the malwarebytes team, including CEO marcin kleczynski, to curate wall graphics, throw pillows, art pieces, and additional decor elements to create a galactic universal space.

the scheme seeks to remove employee isolation in favor of fluid work spaces

a communal kitchen at the office’s upper level

the design incorporates bright colors and organic wood elements

large windows provide views of silicon valley and levi’s stadium

a comfortable lounge area

teams are organized in ‘neighborhoods’ that flow outward from the main entrance

the scheme includes textured carpets, wall coverings, and custom light fixtures

a large meeting room

a secluded area of the office for more private work

project info:

location: 3979 freedom circle, 11th and 12th floors, santa clara, california
size: 50,900 sqf / 4,728 sqm
completion: january, 2016
photography: bruce damonte

architect: blitz architecture + interiors
lead designer, principal-in-charge: melissa hanley
project designer: zach meade
interior designer, FF+E: liz evoy
construction administration: emily burchill
specifications: john hunter

feb 20, 2016

all images courtesy of from carolyn janssen (geremia design)

  

geremia design’s new interior project for metromile car insurance office in san francisco, brings to mind scenes from a classic american road trip movie. the 8,000 square foot space includes casual discussion areas, a spacious kitchen, and a number of separate meeting rooms. the space is divided by large photographic murals and plants, which creates a warm and enclosed feel within the open plan layout. the interior references the beauty of classic cars, with a material palette of chrome and saddle, yellow ochres and oxblood reds.

the space references the beauty of classic cars

a semi transparent wall of letters adds a graphic element to the office, with a typeface that mimics registration plates and cinema display titles. phrases such as ‘working for peanuts’ and ‘I’m gonna be a star’ are lines taken from well known films.

geremia follows this nostalgic taste with 70’s style beaded car seat covers, vintage road maps, and simple features that reference mid-century qualities. elements from stereotypical film sets are present, such as diners, bars, and gangster pads. in description this may all seem over the top, however these references act only as underlying elements, that are artistically presented in a neutral and harmonious way.

the space is divided by large photographic murals

lauren geremia who founded the studio says ‘when tasked with designing the san francisco headquarters of innovative car insurance company metromile, we were inspired to explore vintage mid-century qualities with a modern flare’. geremia design has created more than just a space, but an experience. one can feel as if they are part of a jack keorac novel, leaving all of their worries behind for the open road ahead of them. desert montages, cactus plants, and 70’s orange hues, all act as contributing factors. the relaxed feel of the office, makes it a place where customers and employees can discuss the more mundane facts surrounding car insurance, in a fun and relaxed environment.

you can view designboom’s interview with lauren geremia here.

customers and employees can discuss the more mundane facts surrounding car insurance in a relaxed environment

the space creates a nostalgic feel with 70’s style beaded car seat covers and vintage road maps

lauren geremia has created an environment where people can dream and reminisce

desert montages, cactus plants, and 70’s orange hues all act as contributing elements