The 80,000-square-foot office of architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in 7 World Trade Center puts flexible working, the environment, health and safety, and life balance front and centre. The award-winning venue brings “a radical reduction” design philosophy to materials and finishes, and focuses on acoustic optimisation.
A Kvadrat Acoustics solution comprising Soft Cells panels is specified throughout the offices to meet the acoustic challenges inherent with the double-height ceilings, glass facades, and expansive open plan spaces. At the same time, it chimes with the architects’ vision of using healthy, responsible materials.
Installed in ceilings, the Soft Cells acoustic panels integrate dynamic lighting, minimise noise and improve speech intelligibility. They elevate the experience of individual offices, meeting rooms, café and lounge, exhibition zone, library and the forum - a dynamic space for gatherings and events.
SOM chose a selection of Kvadrat textiles crafted for furniture, which create a seamless aesthetic and textural harmony with the Soft Cells acoustic panels. Mosaic 2, Drop, and Apparel in warm, neutral notes are used to upholster sofas, stools, and chairs.
The carbon-absorbing and renewable materials selected by SOM for the interior provide softness and warmth while contributing to healthy air quality. For example, the Soft Cells panels integrate recycled aluminium and recycled mineral wool (pre- and post-consumer) while the original carpet has been upcycled into wall insulation.
The goal of the new interior “was to integrate holistically the distinct programmatic requirements and architectural features into a refined and tranquil interior,” said Chris Cooper, partner at SOM.
Ultimately, the workplace exemplifies SOM’s conviction that architecture has the power to shape culture. It spans two interconnected floors connected by a timber stair that leads into the café and lounge, as well as amenities for meditation, prayer, and breaks. Work areas are organised around collaboration zones, embodying the principles of openness, mobility, and teamwork.
The offices have been recognised with numerous awards and nominations: WELL Gold, LEED ID+C Gold, 022, Finalist: Wellness/Sustainable, International Contemporary Furniture Fair 2022: Honoree: Medium Office, NYCxDESIGN2022, Structural Engineering Excellence (SEE) Awards; SEAoNY2022, Best of Year Award: Firm's Own Office, Interior Design Magazine2022; Editors' Choice: Interiors-Workplace, The Architect's Newspaper2022; and Best of Design Awards, The Architect's Newspaper.