Abstract
To highlight the systemic interdependencies in office building design, this paper dives into the complexities of converting old structures into modern workspaces. The study addresses the challenges of adaptive reuse by concentrating on case studies and design issues and provides insights into how to maintain historical integrity while satisfying the demands of contemporary workplace needs. The research concludes with a real-world example that shows how design concepts derived from the analysis may be successfully used.
1 Introduction
The architectural configuration of an office building is systematic interdependencies and methodologies to a greater extent than other building typologies. The design of these structures frequently relies on systematic building volumes and structural systems, which are determined by the organizational workplaces and the proliferation of workplace layouts. The information presented in this document is intended to provide a basic understanding of the specific contextual conditions relevant to buildings designated for administrative purposes.
Historical buildings have their typology and dealing with the existing structure is a great challenge for the designer, historical parts must be preserved as it is to keep the spirit of the old place. Many old buildings of different uses have been converted into office buildings. This paper will discuss four different case studies that become offices today and evaluated according to a set of criteria set according to office building standards. These buildings are High Line-Adjacent transformation of a warehouse into an office building in New York. The Garment Factory, Scotland: the warehouse became one of Glasgow's most stylish offices, Michigan Central Station, and Essrawe Studio Office. Also, two historical buildings will be occupied to be offices, and suggested proposals will be introduced.
2 Case studies
The four case studies have been converted to offices as follows: These four historical building conversions into offices will be studied and discussed.
2.1 High Line-adjacent transformation of a warehouse into an office building in New York
Morris Adjmi architect [1] renovated a commercial office building for Elijah Equities, which consisted of a four-story brick warehouse built in 1914. They added a new cantilevered overbuild that appears to float above the existing structure.
The sleek glass and steel addition reflects contemporary values, bridging the past and the present [2, 3]. The original warehouse's exterior was preserved, with patches of discolored brick and faded advertisements left intact. The interior retains the original concrete, brick, and timber elements, creating a warm and historically resonant office space [2]. The new three-story structure acts as a bridge and provides brand-new, Class-A office spaces that contrast with the preserved warehouse's raw, post-industrial spaces. The windows offer views of the Hudson River, the High Line, the High Line Hotel, and the Chelsea neighborhood [2]. The glass and steel additions are supported by two new vertical cores that carry vertical circulation and mechanical systems through both structures, resembling masts [2, 3]. The objective of the project was to rehabilitate the old manufacturing warehouse, preserving its historic integrity as a reminder of Chelsea's industrial past [3].
2.2 The Garment Factory, Scotland, The warehouse became one of Glasgow's most stylish offices
The transformation of the abandoned structure into a contemporary workplace suitable for the 21st century was effectively accomplished by the project. The building was built in 1899 and consists of six levels of office space [4]. Creating an open office floor plan with meeting rooms and workspaces, the space is an open concept with designated meeting spaces, offices, and workstations on each floor [5].
The successful transformation of the unused structure into a contemporary work environment holds great significance for multiple reasons. It brings new life to a space that was not fully utilized, conserves historical architectural elements, and offers a practical and appealing setting for businesses and their personnel [4].
2.3 Michigan Central Station
Michigan Central Station, located in Detroit near Corktown, is an unused structure surrounded by major roads and the Ambassador Bridge, which is the busiest international commercial crossing worldwide [6, 7].
Michigan Central Station, constructed for the Michigan Central Railroad, was a historic train station in Detroit, replacing the original depot after a fire in 1913. It closed in 1988 with the end of Amtrak service [6, 7]. Since 2011 Michigan Central Station has experienced various renovations [6, 7]. Modern building systems are smoothly incorporated into Michigan Central Station's historic public areas, providing enhanced comfort levels without sacrificing architectural integrity. The office tower also has Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Information Technology (IT) systems that are adaptable to meet the needs of individual tenants [7].
2.4 Essrawe studio office
Héctor Esrawe founded the Esrawe studio in 2003. It moved multiple times before landing in an interesting old warehouse. This large atelier provides space for future growth and acts as a central location for experimental endeavors and the presentation of innovative ideas. The studio moved to Roma Norte, a bustling district in Mexico City [8, 9].
The 600-square-meter warehouse had a thorough refurbishment procedure [8, 9]. This creates a constantly developing record of previous work and expertise [8, 9]. Encouraging contact, information sharing, and multidisciplinary cooperation, it functions as a center for collaboration among architects, industrial designers, interior designers, graphic designers, visual designers, engineers, and administrators. Including a dedicated model-making area with material specimens, models, a 3D printer, and a laser cutting machine, this adaptable studio also features an upper area with a terrace, kitchen, and shared dining space [8, 9].
3 Evaluation of buildings studied
There are many factors affecting reusing the historical building, and the old structure, which are architectural factors, or physical factors, and the most important is to achieve compatibility between structures, the adapted, and the old ones. Where compatibility integration represents the floor, layout size, facades, building's width, also, opening proportion, size, shape, building symmetry, accessibility to the buildings, entrances, and number of stairs and elevators.
Converting an old building to an office needs to match the interior space and redesign it without affecting the internal space of the building and this is what happened in the suggestion example, the solution tried to optimize the office layout space needs to what the current building outline.
The fourth case study has been discussed and evaluated according to a set of criteria, and it has been graded over 5 according to its urban and architectural values.
The buildings are evaluated based on various categories mentioned in Table 1 on a scale of 1–5 where 1 is the lowest rating and 5 is the highest rating meaning the building fulfills the needs of the category well. These criteria are location, which is evaluated based on noise and accessibility, floor layout, and size, whether it is well navigated and well recognized; and the façade design whether it indicates that it can be an office building or not, an important criterion to be considered is that the structural type, the skeletal system, is used widely and is flexible enough to be used in offices. Modifications should be limited; when a new structure is added to an old structure, which could affect its sustainability and stability.
Physical characteristics and the main considerations as a method used to assess the fourth Buildings 4
| Physical characteristics | Main considerations | Assessment description |
| Site Location |
| Each building's conversion analyzed in the previous text was assessed based on 4 main physical characteristics listed in this table, each physical characteristic was assessed based on the points mentioned in the main considerations related to it. For each point the building fulfils in the main considerations a point is given, the total of 5 points for each physical characteristic can be scored if all the main considerations are fulfilled, in a related aspect to the change to an office building, the more points scored the more suitable the conversion is. |
| Building Floor layout and Size |
| |
| Facades |
| |
| Building structural condition and Type |
|
Source: Authors.
At the same time, the layout shape is important: rectangular, symmetrical shape, as it facilitates an easier adaptation and allows a more flexible integration process, in addition to seeing if the building has suitable entrances and is easy to access and obvious to reach out to accommodate an office system, see Tables 1 and 2.
Main evaluation criteria for the fourth buildings, B1 = Building 1, B2 = Building 2, B3 = Building 3, B4 = Building 4
| Physical characteristics | Evaluation for each Criterion | B1 | B2 | B3 | B4 |
| Site Location |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Building Floor Layout and Size |
| 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
| Facades |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Building structural condition and Type |
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Source: Authors'
4 Office layout basics: workspace modules
The fundamental elements of a workplace in an office setting consist of a desk, storage and a chair, accompanied by necessary telecommunications equipment, and designated areas for visitors and meetings, as required. The aspects of climate control, comfort, and air quality in a room are addressed in the fundamental conditioning of the space. It is on this basis that the space required per workplace can be determined. Opulent and high-quality offices can be designed to encompass 20–30 square meters per workplace [10]. Typically, office buildings are accessed through a main entrance, vertical circulation cores, and corridors. In cases where the building serves a singular function, open spaces that can merge are possible. However, when multiple units are accessed through a single entrance, access should be arranged in two stages, with a central public entrance leading to a unit-specific entrance. In instances where an office building also serves a representational purpose and must accommodate visitor traffic, access is often organized through a multi-story foyer featuring a reception area and further access to all visitors and meeting spaces. Open-plan offices, communal areas, and increased ambient noise levels have been shown to harm individuals' health. Conversely, there is a strong correlation between physical well-being and factors that promote physical activity [10, 11] (see Fig. 1).
Although initial layout designs can be developed based on the aforementioned room typologies and functional areas, a comprehensive design must take into consideration various additional parameters. These parameters include the urban framework conditions, the contextual aspects of the plot of land, the functional relationships, the volume of the building, the circulation system, and the structural system of the building. The subsequent clarification of these parameters aims to aid designers in effectively incorporating these intricate factors into the design of office buildings [11] (see Figs 2 and 3).
Finally, comfort measurements including air quality and ventilation in offices are still important even when conversions are from historical buildings, therefore this building is a good candidate for that [11].
Transforming historic edifices into office spaces is a prevalent strategy to safeguard these edifices while aligning them with contemporary necessities. These modifications typically encompass the modernization of materials, expansion of space, and integration of up-to-date technologies. [12]. The adaptive repurposing of historic structures for office utilization can yield various advantages on economic, societal, and ecological fronts, including financial and temporal efficiencies, and conservation of historical significance [13]. Following social consumption, reproduction is a needed addition, and the various social production modes result in varying reproduction contents, in which one of them is reusing what has already been used like integrating offices into existing unused structures and creating spaces in buildings that are already created [14]. The spatial arrangement plays a crucial role in defining the alignment of individual rooms, consequently impacting the level of natural light infiltration in each space, consequently, [15].
5 Research methodology and method
In the following stage, it is critical to comprehend the connections between the various functions after the overall floor area is needed and the room schedule has been determined. The size of the various organizational units serves as the beginning point for the study; next, the functional and communication linkages must be developed to guarantee a smooth office environment.
The transformation of a historical structure into a workplace necessitates a deliberate method to maintain its cultural significance while concurrently accommodating contemporary practical requirements.
To achieve this, firstly, by research and assessment, examine the historical importance and structural characteristics of the edifice. Evaluate the stability of the framework, current state, and any limitations or guidelines connected to the protection of historical heritage. Second, planning and design, creating a design should be formulated that demonstrates reverence for the historical significance of the building, while simultaneously adhering to the practical necessities of office space.
Create floor layouts with places designated for conference rooms, private offices, common areas, etc.
The method used to achieve this is ArchiCAD as BIM software to design a conceptualization that demonstrates reverence for the historical components whilst fulfilling the functional requirements of an office.
Each historical structure presents distinct challenges and prospects, thus necessitating adaptability and ingenuity within the context of conservation as indispensable. It is crucial to be creative and flexible when preserving historical buildings.
6 Independence Hall: historic civic building in Philadelphia
Independence Hall possesses a high degree of authenticity regarding its forms and designs, materials and substance, as well as its location and setting. The vast majority of the external components of the hall structure and design consist of original materials. The internal spaces that hosted significant events remain intact, including some of the original interior finishes. The bell tower's wooden steeple was constructed in 1828 to replace the previous structure. The encompassing National Historical Park features a collection of 18th and 19th-century structures on a smaller scale, serving to further reinforce the contextual significance of the Hall [16]. The management of the property is conducted at the national level through the oversight of the National Park Service. A comprehensive General Management Plan was developed for the National Historical Park in 1998, which incorporates the Hall's esteemed World Heritage status as a significant element and addresses various matters, including interpretation and carrying capacity. Additional measures were undertaken in the 1990s to enhance fire detection and suppression capabilities, as well as security systems. In 2002, visitor screening and other security enhancements were implemented, while a substantial renovation endeavor for the steeple was finalized in 2013 [17].
7 Proposed office design: Independence Hall building
Step 1
Define the main historical and significant architectural elements and the different legend colors for each one of them, this analysis step must be done before suggesting an office design for the building, for the ground floor and first floor, as well as specifying the historical elements that need to be determinants taken into consideration and these are stairs cases, historic columns, interior and exterior doors located in the plan, windows, and openings (see Fig. 4).
Step 2
Existing building design layout, ground, and first-floor level
Citation: Pollack Periodica 20, 1; 10.1556/606.2024.01028
After this step, the main limitations were known on both floors, axes were distributed and fitted for both floors according to the structural elements of the building and windows as the second step of conversion of the historical building.
Step 3
The suggested design shows different types of offices and follows the axes implemented as a guide, where different types of offices were implemented to show the flexibility of the space chosen (see Fig. 5).
a) Ground floor addition and removal ground floor, b) example 2, ground floor addition and removal ground floor, c) addition and removal of 1st floor
Citation: Pollack Periodica 20, 1; 10.1556/606.2024.01028
8 Proposed office design: discussion of the results
On the left wing of the ground floor plan Combi office type was implemented, there are three office arrangements with a meeting room and service area represented by the kitchen and sitting/rest areas for the employees.
The right-wing of the plan shows the Open Plan office space plan with the service area in the middle and extended to the right side to adapt to the building permits.
The top floor represents. In this scenario a buffer zone that acts as a hub for the building was placed in the middle in front of the main building entrance, it has a lobby area as well as meeting rooms that can be rented out for specific occasions and times.
Another suggestion for the ground floor was also demonstrated, which shows an activity office type that hosts several office typologies that can be used according to the employee's needs without assigned offices, this was implemented on the whole floor. Service areas like toilets of both designs were placed under the staircase for space-saving measures.
As for the top floor a design approach was suggested too, the office type is also the activity type as it was the most suitable concerning the existing structure (Figs 6 and 7).
Two proposed office design examples, ground floor level
Citation: Pollack Periodica 20, 1; 10.1556/606.2024.01028
Proposed office design examples, first-floor level
Citation: Pollack Periodica 20, 1; 10.1556/606.2024.01028
9 Conclusions
This research sheds light on the critical significance that systematic approaches have in determining the architectural layout of office buildings, especially those used for administrative functions. The presented office design examples provide a range of possibilities and demonstrate how these methodical techniques might be used in real-world scenarios. The study highlights the need to take organizational workspaces and workplace layouts into account throughout the design process, with a particular focus on how these factors affect the creation of efficient and useful office spaces. Applied to historical structures, these methodical concerns become much more complex. As demonstrated by case studies and design options, it becomes critical to integrate systematic design techniques with the adaptive reuse of historical buildings. That means that the research not only supports a thorough comprehension of systematic design in modern workplaces but also provides practical guidance on how to successfully integrate these methods with the restoration and preservation of historical architectural structures.
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