Best Practice Architecture recently completed the renovation of Simply Measured's office, located in the World Trade Center East Building along the waterfront in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood . Recently named one of the "top 25 places to work in Seattle," Simply Measured was interested in providing more informal, communal gathering spaces and work areas as well as traditional desk layouts to support their diverse staff.
Splashes of color-blue-painted walls, ceilings, and floors-help organize the space while providing a not-so-subtle nod to the corporate brand color. The approach provides a lo-fi/low-cost way to create visual interest and takes a stand against the white walls typically found in office environments. Amenities (kitchen and alternative work areas) occur at intervals along the blue navigation bar. That playful spirit is continued through custom built-ins and furnishings such as the simple picnic tables employed in the lunch room, the abstracted lifeguard station that serves as the reception desk, and in the monochromatic sitting area which features a series of picture frames where foam pyramids stand in for art. The monochromatic color scheme also serves as a way to shift focus from the materials themselves-dematerializing them-and redirecting focus to the formal qualities of the environment. These playful touches add a touch of humor and intrigue to what was once a relatively bland office space, while working within a tight budget.
By adding lounges adjacent to open work tables, a cafeteria that doubles as a presentation space, and huddle spaces for quick team breakouts, the design results in an interconnected network of spaces and places throughout the entire floor. The seamless integration of one space to another enables employees to untether from their desks and work remotely from anywhere in the office, exploring new teaming arrangements while taking in amazing views of Puget Sound.
Photography: Mark Woods