The intrinsic phenomenal aspects of Historic Industrial buildings can be developed and incorporated into interiors with a unique capacity to express the values of our present society, ameliorate harm done, and support the human quest for meaning and well-being.
School of Design | Graduate Interior Design
Student: Junjiao Zhao
Faculty: Edwin Zawadski
By converting the industrial silo building into coworking office space, this project avoids the large amount of construction waste generated by the demolition of historic buildings, while fully exploiting the materiality value of industrial buildings and obtaining a workplace that stimulates creativity more than traditional offices.
The historic industrial buildings were once machine-dominated spaces in which the human experience of working was an extension of the machines, performing repetitive mechanical labor day in and day out. A work ethic that preached hard work was used to squeeze workers. This project promotes an “ethics of workmanship” by transforming it into a shared workplace that stimulates creativity to transcend and redefine the working experience of the past, creating a more desirable workplace. The Red Hook Grain Terminal was chosen for this thesis to be transformed into a coworking space. The nondaily materiality experience of the industrial concrete silos contributes to a more inspiring space than a traditional office, and the interaction with natural light and wind contributes to a more environmentally friendly and humanized workplace.
Office View
The office uses individual silos as the basic unit of space. The circular space enhances the sense of intimacy and inspires communication and discussion. Additionally, it provides a sense of security of being enclosed and protected in a huge machine-scale space.
