TAT Interiors Animate Historic Buildings for New Work, Study
Best known best for innovative new architecture and creative adaptations of historic buildings around the country, The Architectural Team (TAT) has been expanding its interior design portfolio with inspired, distinctive solutions for a range of clients.
New projects include the downtown, 42,800-square-foot collaborative workplace for business incubator NextCorps, built inside the converted former department store, Sibley Square — also designed by TAT — which has become a redevelopment touchstone and success story for Rochester, New York.
The historic space has been reimagined with a contemporary, cutting-edge vision and incorporates a combination of coworking setups, private meeting areas, and flexible office suites. The NextCorps interiors also support innovative biotech labs and maker spaces. With its state-of-the-art appeal and instantly iconic spaces, the interior design led by Melanie Conant, NCIDQ, LEED, accommodates the wide range of uses expected by NextCorps’ entrepreneurs.
Inside another successful TAT historic adaptive reuse project — the award-winning Boott Mill complex in Lowell, Mass.,the firm’s interior design team created an academic center for University of Massachusetts (UMass) Lowell students and researchers. With a state-of-the-art space to conduct laboratory work, the new Toxic Use Reduction Institute known as TURI Lab offers 10,000 square feet including a wet lab, a microbiology lab, and a demonstration and analytic lab.
For both the academic and entrepreneurial wokplace settings, Conant’s team deploys cutting-edge workplace concepts including innovative open-plan layouts, an adaptable mix of varied seating and work surfaces, as well as healthy and environment-conscious materials. Most important, the facility designs for UMass and for NextCorps offer adaptability and resiliency for future changes of use.
“We are continually expanding our interiors expertise and creative capabilities through design innovation and research,” says Conant. “Our team’s broad-ranging skills allow us to cross over into many sectors of architecture and design. It’s inspiring to work everyday with such a collaborative, dynamic, and creative group.”
More details on NextCorps and the TURI Lab:
About NextCorps
Rochester, New York
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 1M square foot Sibley Building in downtown Rochester, N.Y., is the new home for regional business incubator NextCorps. With a combination of co-working areas, private zones and office suites, conference rooms, biotech labs, and maker spaces, TAT’s design creates a state-of-the-art, flexible space that accommodates the wide range of uses necessitated by NextCorps’ entrepreneurs. Reflecting a desire for an open, collaborative atmosphere, amenities include a roof deck, large auditorium, and common gathering areas such as a game room and café lounge.
Carefully preserved and restored historic detailing, including original custom millwork is featured throughout the space, along with murals by local artists highlighting a connection to Rochester’s history as a center of architectural and technological innovation. A neutral color palette creates a sense of visual unity, contrasting with wall coverings, carpeting, acoustically sealed booths, and movable furniture elements whose bright colors help define distinct workspaces and create points of accent for the historic features. With short walks to transit, and easy access to the rest of Sibley Square’s vibrant residential, commercial, restaurant and retail spaces, NextCorps sits at the heart of economic rebirth in downtown Rochester.
About UMass Lowell’s TURI Lab
Lowell, Massachusetts
Located within the award-winning Boott Mill complex, the Toxic Use Reduction Institute (TURI) offers UMass Lowell students and researchers a state-of-the-art space to conduct their laboratory work. The 10,000 square foot research facility includes a wet lab, microbiology lab, demonstration and analytic lab.
The soaring ceiling heights and open floor plan allows for visual oversight of the students and staff — ensuring a high level of safety and security. The microbiology lab includes a traditional hood and flexible snorkel-style ventilation system, compressed air delivery, and gas/electrical service. Data wiring and device compatibility are designed to meet the university’s strict standards. Extensive use of environmentally-conscious products finish the space, including natural rubber flooring and low VOC paint and adhesives. The facility’s design allows students and staff to collaborate with local businesses, community organizations, and government agencies in flexible meeting spaces, while an on-site scientific library helps to further their advances in discovering alternatives to the use of toxic chemicals.
About TAT
For 45 years, the architecture, masterplanning and interior design firm, The Architectural Team, Inc. (TAT), has been recognized for its thought leadership, diverse portfolio of acclaimed design solutions and creating lasting transformation in the communities they serve. The 90-person firm has earned more than 100 awards for design excellence across a broad range of building types and programs; including: new construction of large-scale urban mixed use developments, multifamily, commercial, waterfront and hospitality developments, assisted and senior living facilities, and community centers. TAT also holds a national reputation in the areas of historic preservation, rehabilitation and adaptive reuse that has transformed neighborhoods across the United States, artfully restoring and reimagining neglected buildings for new uses while simultaneously preserving history. For more information, please visit www.architecturalteam.com.
