The Anti-Cubicle Farm
Tuesday, September 2nd, 2014
Photos by Pete Deevakul
By Emma Janzen
When architecture and design firm Berman Horn Studio was commissioned to design the headquarters for independent production company Original Media in New York City, it aimed to translate the business’s bold, edgy personality into a space that would encourage collaboration and creativity.
Located in a building that formerly housed a printing press, the interior layout and decorative elements pay homage to the founder’s roots by taking inspiration from the gritty streets of New York City. Graffiti artist Chris Stain orchestrated the artwork throughout the office, recalling the Big Apple of the 1980s. “All the imagery is sepia-toned, so it’s kind of bold,” partner Maria Berman says.
To create a sense of movement and flow, the 15,000-square-foot floor plan is organized into several zones or “neighborhoods” that are laid out on a grid similar to that of Manhattan. Pathways or “streets” delineate areas for common use from personal offices and editing pods, which, as partner Brad Horn says, instigates greater collaboration.
“[Original Media Headquarters] is a great environment of people coming and going and using the space,” Berman says. “It’s not a worker-bee cubicle farm. It feels like a creative space.”
Tagged with: Berman Horn Studio • Chris Stain • NYC • Original Media