Charles River Associates Washington, D.C. Office Building, Massachusetts Interior Architecture

Charles River Associates Washington, D.C. Office

New Architecture in District of Columbia design by Elkus Manfredi Architects, United States of America

January 27, 2020

Charles River Associates Offices, Washington, D.C.

Design: Elkus Manfredi Architects

Charles River Associates Washington, D.C. Offices

Location: Washington, D.C., USA

Charles River Associates Washington, D.C. Office interior design

Size:

28,000 square feet on two internally connected floors

Program:

7th Floor
Offices: 22
Workstations: 35
Team Rooms: (3) 5-person
Open Team Rooms: (2) 4-person
Conference Rooms: (1) 16-person
Copy/ Print: 1
Coffee Area: 1
Pantry: 1
Storage: 1

8th Floor
Offices: 33
Workstations: 22
Team Rooms: (4) 5-person, (1), 4-person, (1) 3-person,
Open Team Area: (1) 4-person
Conference Rooms: (1) 12-person, (1) 6-person
Boardrooms: (1) 32-person
One on One Rooms: 2
Hospitality Bar: 1
Rest and Restore: 1
Reception: 1
Mail/ Copy: 1
Ping Pong Space: 1
Library: 1
Office Services: 1
IT Lab, Storage and Server: 1

Charles River Associates Washington, D.C. Office interior design

The Washington, D.C., design adapted the standards and space metrics that Elkus Manfredi had established through the firm wide workplace consulting process prior to designing the Boston office. Designers sought to create a space that reflects the unique culture and setting of Washington, D.C., while integrating the team’s work style/lifestyle into the flow and the amenities of the spaces. Refreshing the overall look, feel, and lighting was crucial, especially where access to daylight was absent or limited.

Charles River Associates Washington, D.C. Office interior design

There were many similar goals between the design of CRA’s Washington and Boston offices, including co-location of junior and senior staff members to maximize knowledge-sharing; a wide variety of collaborative team spaces; acoustical privacy in individual and group work areas; neighborhoods of workstations for a sense of community; and a generous, inviting café space with a multitude of seating options that support spontaneous interaction, relaxation, and brain-storming.

Charles River Associates Washington, D.C. Office interior design

Design Challenges

Designers confronted challenges particular to this Washington, D.C., location, including:

 Imparting a sense of serenity, calm, and well-being
 Re-imagining the internal stair that connects the 7th and 8th floor to become a central feature of the workplace
 Creating a “view” where there was none, as parts of the existing space lacked access to windows and vistas
 Avoiding putting spaces occupied by personnel in areas with no windows
 Implementing design solutions over a phased construction schedule

Charles River Associates Washington, D.C. Office interior design

Design Solutions

 Starting in the elevator lobby, designers created a new reception location by removing the core between two elevators and allowing abundant light to flow through the space.

Charles River Associates Washington, D.C. Office interior design

 The use of refined, upscale details, colors, and materials fosters a soothing environment. Inspired by the blue of the Chesapeake Bay and the outdoor lifestyle of the Washington staff, the palette of clean whites and blues combined with reflective finishes make the most of natural daylight and create a sense of modern refinement.

 Designers positioned the internal stair as a dramatic feature of the space by adding deep blue glass and a metal light fixture that reflects light and shadow throughout the day and is as much a piece of artwork as it is a functional element of the space.

Charles River Associates Washington, D.C. Office interior design

 A multitude of diverse and inviting spaces were created where employees can relax, brainstorm, share knowledge, and engage in spontaneous conversation, including a seascape mural in the café that provides a calming seascape view with a go-to getaway place, a dock in the Chesapeake Bay.

Charles River Associates Washington, D.C. Office interior design

 The design takes full advantage of daylight in places where employees spend the most time and located non-occupied support spaces in the areas without windows.

 Designers celebrated the competitive outdoor sports culture of the CRA D.C. staff with a dual-function meeting space/ping-pong area in the library.

Charles River Associates Washington, D.C. Office interior design

Charles River Associates Washington, D.C. – Building Information

Interior Architecture: Elkus Manfredi Architects
MEP/FP Engineer: RDK Engineers
Lighting Design: Lam Partners, Inc.
Acoustic Engineer: Cavanaugh Tocci Associates
Structural Engineer: LeMessurler
Hardware Consultant: Campbell-McCabe
Contractor: RAND Construction
Construction Administrator: Elkus Manfredi Architects

Charles River Associates Washington, D.C. Office interior design

Photographs © Jasper Sanidad

Charles River Associates Washington, D.C. Building images / information from Elkus Manfredi Architects

Elkus Manfredi Architects

Phone: +1 202-662-3800

Address: Charles River Associates Washington, D.C. , 1201 F St NW #800, Washington, D.C. 20004, United States

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