OTJ Architects designs 11,355 s/f office space for Cultural Vistas

Manhattan, NY OTJ Architects is designing the newest New York office of Cultural Vistas, an internationally-acclaimed non-profit organization with a mission to promote understanding and collaboration among individuals and institutions around the world. The space spans 11,355 s/f on the 21st floor of the Woolworth Building at 233 Broadway, and is surrounded by windows and many unobstructed views.

It is the second project that OTJ has worked on for Cultural Vistas, having completed the organization’s Washington, D.C. office in 2015. Many of the branding elements from the D.C. office will be incorporated into the new offices, but in ways consistent with the footprint of the grand New York landmark. Preliminary plans already reflect a more subdued palette, integrating some of the brand colors. In addition, there will be scarified cement floors, minimal carpeting, and layouts that take full advantage of the space’s high ceilings and infusion of natural light.  The design also includes a large conference center, and both perimeter offices and workstation clusters.

 “We are taking our branding cues from Cultural Vistas’ Washington, D.C. offices, but with a decidedly New York ‘frame of mind,’” said OTJ managing partner Lance Jaccard, AIA, IIDA, LEED AP. “Our client’s move to one of New York’s most beautiful buildings is an exhilarating challenge from a design perspective.”

Working with Jaccard from OTJ’s NY studio will be senior project manager Arch Tembulkar, LEED AP; project architect John Dealey, Associate AIA; and project designer Elaine Tripoulas, WELL AP. The group is currently focused on preliminary test fits and code reviews for the plans. The design will be further developed by leveraging OTJ’s 3D visualization capabilities to ensure maximum flexibility and utility with minimal build-outs.

The project is expected to be completed in spring 2018.