An artist playground in the heart of the Lower East Side, Con Artist is an art collective with a gallery, shared workspace and event space for emerging artists. Quintessential art gallery collides with radical emerging art was the project starting point. To create a communal workspace within the white gallery, we tore down the white walls and ceiling within the center of the volume revealing a turn of the century industrial space. A bold linear work loft stretches across, connecting the gallery space with the work space.

The design and color of the loft reflect the vibrant spirit of the collective. Budget and means of labor were guides in material selection (2×4’s, plywood, cork). A forest of juxtaposed 2×4’s create workstations and intimate meeting spaces.

Above, a continuous work surface floats within the open space. Adjacent to the loft, sliding work surfaces accommodate large meetings, large artwork, small individual workstations, drafting tables or a performance stage. The tables fold up to allow for a dance party. A mobile acoustical booth offers space for private meetings and casual conversations.

Through removing, refinishing, rearranging, spilling and fragmenting existing elements a new space emerged that invites, supports, and encourages collaboration and diverse work processes.

Architecture firm: 0 to 1
Architect: Garner Oh
Designer: Tamara Petrovic

http://www.arthitectural.com/0-to-1-con-artist-collective/