von Weise associates have developed the offices of the Ryan Partnership located in Chicago, Illinois.

This marketing office is built-out on the top two floors of the historic Holabird and Roche Monroe Building at 104 South Michigan Avenue. The space previously housed mechanical equipment and a small studio briefly occupied by Frank Lloyd Wright and Walter Burley Griffin. The complex geometry of the dormered space presented numerous challenges and opportunities for this adaptive re-use project.

Ryan Partnership was formed merging four different marketing and media companies with overlapping relationships and functions. Accordingly, the design concept leverages the idea of overlap both in function and experience to highlight the synergies of the newly merged company. Physical stacking, overlapping materials and reflection all serve to reinforce this design concept throughout the space. The open studios combine work, teaming and conference to overlap program. Functions are arranged throughout the plan to create overlap of circulation as you move through the space. The existing three-dimensional volume, newly constructed balcony and staircase create physical overlap and visual drama.

In addition, the client was very interested in environmental stewardship. Adaptive re-use, open space, natural light and ventilation and extensive use of reclaimed materials all help to sustain this goal whilst creating an engaging, warm and comfortable work environment.

Design: von Weise associates
Photography: Michelle Litvin

via Office Snapshots