New York, NY

H3 designed the New York Academy of Sciences new offices, on the 40th floor of 7 World Trade Center. The Academy was the first tenant to move into the first new high-rise under construction in downtown Manhattan since 9/11. Constructing the space on the 40th floor required complex construction coordination.

The project’s design challenge lies in conveying the Academy’s distinguished heritage while establishing a contemporary and efficient environment for its forward-looking activities.
To accommodate public and private functions, the Academy’s plan is bisected. The eastern portion is devoted to public areas, containing reception space, “break-out” areas, the president’s office, and three meeting rooms of varied sizes, which can hold groups from 30 to 296 people. These flexible spaces are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology for scientific presentations, as well as furniture which can easily be re-arranged to meet a variety of needs. The western half of the floor consists of work and support areas for the staff. These include enclosed offices distinguished by full-height perimeter glass walls, conference rooms, utility spaces, and open workstations. A circulation corridor at the west wall runs through office areas, insuring every staff member has a spectacular view of the city.

A gallery contains space for the exhibition of artworks relative to projects identified by the Academy’s programs.

CLIENT: New York Academy of Sciences
COMPLETION: 2006
SIZE: 34,000 Square Feet
COST: $5.8 Million