Michielli + Wyetzner designs new space for three not-for-profits; For PHI, ICS and CHCA at 400 East Fordham Road, Bronx

Three affiliated not-for-profits devoted to improving the lives and skills of professional care-givers for the sick and physically impaired now have quarters that offer expanded and better integrated services. The three mutually supportive entities - Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute (PHI), Independence Care System (ICS) and Cooperative Home Care Associates (CHCA) - are located on five floors of a new, mid-rise tower located at 400 East Fordham Rd. in the Fordham section, totaling 47,000 s/f. They perform an array of functions including policy development, outreach, administration and training. Designed by Michielli + Wyetzner Architects, their spaces have bold, energizing graphics; fluid, adaptable layouts and contemporary furnishings that provide a lift for staff and visitors alike. The $4.4 million facilities opened in April. "Bringing the organizations together with a unified design offers a clear picture of how they complement one another," said Michielli + Wyetzner partner Michael Wyetzner. "They asked for a strong identity that would set them apart from the typical office, and that's apparent throughout." Home health aides coming in from the field and disabled clients coming to socialize are welcomed by bright colors and signage at each floor's entrance. The graphics were a collaboration among the architects, the programmers and planners, Schall & Russo Planning Works and the graphics firm Omnivore. On all floors, large, common spaces such as open cafes and conference areas double as alternate workplaces for employees and visiting staff from across the region. The designers put the enclosed offices on the interior and kept space dividers low so that light washes through the floors. As one moves from CHCA's training spaces on the 14th floor, with their view windows into classrooms and lab, down to the transparent executive, administration and conference spaces on 13 and 12, to the research and policy floor of PHI and through to the event space for the disabled and elderly on 10 for ICS, a clear picture emerges of the services provided by these non-profits. CHCA, an employee-owned home care agency employing over 2,000 direct-care workers, occupies the top three floors of the tower. The 14th floor, used for training, contains three classrooms, a seven-bed laboratory and two mock bathrooms. A central lobby area outfitted with lockers and an electronic billboard allows students to gather before and after classes. On the 13th floor are central administrative offices and a 40-person conference room which connects directly to a large café area. The 12th floor, designed for administration and worker outreach, has a 64-person open office area and a large central café where workers who come in from the field can gather. PHI occupies the 11th floor where best practices research and policy are advanced. Open office areas line the perimeter with abundant natural light and views. Glass-fronted, enclosed offices are located at the center of the floor. A faceted polycarbonate conference room is visible as one enters, alerting staff and public to the forward-thinking mission of the institution. ICS coordinates services for more than 3,000 people including the elderly and people living with physical disabilities in New York City. Their 10th-floor quarters houses a wheelchair repair suite, conference rooms, and an open office area for visiting home healthcare workers. Adjacent to the wheelchair repair suite is a large gathering space and café area used for community events and waiting. A curved conference room is the focus of the floor whose perimeter acts as a test track for new and repaired wheelchairs. The non-profits continue the commitment to sustainability evident in the building they occupy, 400 East Fordham Road, which is certified LEED Silver with an envelope that is over 45% fenestrated. The large 12'x7' windows are LOW-E coated and use an integral solar-ban film to reduce heat gain. Interiors were planned to maximize the abundant natural light and views. A Lutron daylighting system employed at the perimeter keeps most lights, within 15 feet of the exterior, off during the day. Other lights on the floor are trimmed to 25 foot-candles, significantly less than a typical office's 40 to 50 foot-candles. In addition, the overall light fixture count was lowered by approximately 33% by incorporating task lights to workstations, further reducing electrical consumption by providing light only when needed.