A collaborative space for the faculty, Ph.D students and staff of the Institute for Applied Autonomy and Applied Physics Laboratory at Johns Hopkins University, located in 5,500 SF in the historic Stieff Silver Building. The renovated space emphasizes multi-functional flexibility, advanced A/V capabilities, and creating a fresh, inviting environment for collaborative work.
To retain the industrial character of the former factory, the design makes use of the exposed structure and piping and draws on natural elements such as stone and wood while maximizing sunlight throughout. Although bright, open, and visually striking, converting a minimalist industrial space into a modern office workplace environment presents challenges. With so many existing hard surfaces, the team focused on improving the acoustics of the space with features like integrated acoustic panels and soft flooring.
The new space pays homage to its origins, connects nature and the built environment, and supports a collaborative and future-facing work environment.
