• Accountability for the Expenditure of Public/Private Funding for the Project.
• Compliance with all Codes and Regulations.
• Account for Functional Needs and meet Performance Objectives
• Uniformity in the Application of established Government Design Standards.
• Durability of finishes, furniture, furnishings.
• Optimizing Operations and Maintenance within the context of the Facility.
• Support of Emerging Technologies
• Planning for Secure Buildings
• Environmental Responsibility and commitment to LEED.

With this in mind, one of the defining spaces of every government facility is the public lobby, where character and function often influence a visitor’s first impression. As stated in the GSA Design Excellence Program, these spaces seek to express “the vision, leadership, and commitment of the government in serving the public and expressing the values of the nation.”

The lobby is the landmark to which all other spaces in the facility relate. The entry experience can be enhanced by incorporating a spatial compression/release: beginning with exterior approach, followed by a compression through the entry doors or vestibule, and finally released into a stately public space. Aesthetic considerations will vary from project to project, but the high level of visibility and public use merits the utmost degree of visual detail and finish. It is encouraged to employ durable, moisture resistant materials. Special considerations should be given to ceilings, lighting design, furniture, signage, and artwork to complete the space.

For detailed information on lobby design, refer to the GSA’s “First Impressions” program. For additional Government Design resources, refer to the National Institute of Building Sciences “Whole Building Design Guide”.

Music video for the song “Skyscrapers” by OK Go.
Director: Trish Sie, Producers: Trish Sie & Paula Salhany
Cinematography and editing: Paula Salhany

“The newly added indoor maps don’t quite offer the turn-by-turn navigation you’ve come to know and depend upon (that’s outside-only for now), but the provided layouts should help usher you along to the nearest bathroom, clothing shop or elevator. There’s no fancy equipment at use, either. All of your positioning information is culled from the same set of data (including GPS) used for “My Location,” although here it’s been optimized to detect movement along the z-axis. What does that mean for you, dear end user? Try a nifty feature called “Automatic Floor Detection” that’ll keep track of your progress as you move about from escalator to escalator. Google’s also endeavoring to extend its indoor reach, opening up its mapping inventory with a self-service tool (currently in beta) that’ll allow business owners to upload floor plans directly to Maps.”

Read the full article here.  via: engadget.com

As a designer of the built environment, I like to envision how this technology will impact our interactions with interior spaces, and how we can improve design with those technologies in mind.  I see my profession moving toward that of “Experience Design” adding another layer of information to what we already do as Interior Designers.

I am excited to share this digital short by Greg Tran, a recent graduate of Harvard Design School, who explores and clearly illustrates the potential for augmented reality and its integration with the built environment.

Mediating Mediums – The Digital 3d from Greg Tran on Vimeo.

CNN Sports Newsroom can be classified as a multi-phased interior renovation, due to the fact that CNN must maintain 24/7 operations throughout any construction process.  By precise scheduling and establishing a “staging area” for employees to move to while their zone was under construction, CNN Sports was able to maintain their operations (during Superbowl Season to add)

The program required the addition of the following: 40 new system workstations including 16 “Triage” logging stations; a monitor wall with 24 flat screen monitors visible to the workstations; an elevated newsroom desk; a new entry wall with graphics; a new conference room; a new breakroom; upgraded finishes and lighting.

The existing space was cavernous, with little natural light, dark finishes, and maze-like circulation.  The goal of the interior design was to provide cool crisp finishes, allowing the monitor wall and lighting to become focal points in the open plan.  Great attention was dedicated to workflow and functional and visual adjacencies, with the goal of creating a comfortable, positive work experience.  Interior design performed during tenure at another firm.