When we found our new office space in the Butterick Building it was a typical mid 1960’s office design: 2x2 lay-in white ceiling with fluorescent lighting, 4x4 cream colored cubicles, gray carpet, and white sheetrock walls.

It took some investigating to discover the true potential of the space. Hidden beneath the carpet was the original concrete floor with painted warehouse lines, behind the sheetrock was the original red brick, and above the ceiling tiles were original concrete vaults. The vaults were created purely in response to the structural system of the floor above, beautiful in their simplicity.

With much of the existing excess stripped, the space was reborn; fresh, in its original 1900’s aesthetic. There is a great resiliency to the industrial buildings that were constructed in the early 20th Century, and we wanted to embrace and expose the original structure of the space. We’re doing an intervention in the space rather than reconstructing it, by layering in functionality and materials and combining the original character of the space with our own aesthetic. Some of the overall considerations for the design were a Feng Shui report, intelligent lighting, and LEED Certification.

As in our previous spaces, we will maintain the open studio design. The larger size allows for all the teams at Pompei A.D. to work on the same floor, and includes a large kitchen, a community eating space, and an entrance lobby. Flexible walls will be used to create partitions in several of the larger rooms, including the C3 Gallery and the conference room. Rolling cabinets will be used to store materials as well as to configure spaces.

We designed a custom lighting system using Lutron Electronics controls. A very similar system was recently installed in the New York Times headquarters. The system consists of up-lighting in the ceiling vaults, with daylight and occupancy sensors. The lamps change color based on natural diurnal rhythms during the day, producing a more efficient and enjoyable atmosphere.

Sustainability is an important factor in the work we do at Pompei A.D. Working towards LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification is a good way for our company to learn, practice, and promote environmentally and human friendly design, construction, and operation. We are earning points towards our LEED Certification in six key areas:

Sustainable Sites: We will support low emission transportation by locating ourselves in close proximity to public transportation and by having proper storage for bicycles.

Water Efficiency: We will use low flow fixtures and appliances in the kitchen.

Energy and Atmosphere: We will use 100% green power electricity (exceeding the 50% required by LEED, thus going for an Innovation in Design credit), Energy Star Equipment and Appliances, individual lighting controls, operable windows and thermostats, in addition to light shelves on the windows which will allow the maximum amount of natural light possible into the space.

Materials and Resources: We will use high recycled content materials and existing furniture from our previous space. We will also divert our construction waste for recycling.

Indoor Environmental Quality: We will support a smoke free environment to help ensure employee well-being, and we will use low-emitting paint, adhesives, and sealants.

Innovation and Design Process: We will adopt a green cleaning plan and develop an environmental education plan.

Throughout the construction process, sustainability will remain a top priority, and we’ll work towards advancing our LEED certification however possible.

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy about living with, rather than against, nature. It is the study of form, space, time, and the arrangement of space to achieve harmony with the environment. We collaborated with Feng Shui practitioner Alex Stark, because we appreciate the integration of Western design and Eastern sensibility. In Feng Shui, a study of the energy distribution in the space pin points the areas of activity that are strong, and those areas that need to be enhanced. Various techniques are employed to correct weaknesses: plants are thought to absorb and redirect energy, promoting growth and enhancing wealth, power, and health; crystals are dynamic objects that reflect light and generate energy as both a receiver and a transmitter, balancing out the obtuse angels in the space and allowing energy to flow freely; mirrors add balance by reflecting positive energies into the space, and chimes or bells are believed to slow energy to promote and increase positive relationships.

At Pompei A.D. we believe that our lives are affected by our physical and emotional environments. In all aspects of the design process, whether it is with customized lighting, working towards LEED certification, or the application of Feng Shui, we are conscious of the effects that our actions have on the environment.

With progress being made each week, our new office space is beginning to take shape, and helping us to develop a strong sense of self within the Pompei A.D. community. Take a look at our photographs, which we’ll update periodically throughout the construction process.