Department Of Environmental Studies

Located on four floors (7-10) at 285 Mercer Street, the design for this expanding department was inspired by elements found in our natural environment. The four floor renovation features carpet design inspired from species of lichen and living plant walls throughout common areas. Bamboo sculptural ceilings with recessed lighting give warmth and liveliness to open congregation areas and meeting spaces. Matching millwork and furniture employ sustainable Plyboo and Icestone recycled glass solid surfaces. Carpetcycle insulation made from recycled textiles, was used for acoustic separation within the interior walls.

The design provides academic offices and informal meeting areas, as well as new restrooms and pantries. Glass partitions are used at office walls to bring ample amounts of natural light to interior floor spaces, reducing artificial lighting usage and creating a welcoming connection between faculty, researchers, and students. The plant walls are fitted with special lighting fixtures that are controlled by a sun cycle time clock to mimic the varying amounts of daylight throughout the year. The restroom tile walls became a surface for abstract ground vegetation and coral marine forms using colored tile, turning a typically back of house space into a vivid connection to the department’s field of study.

MAD Studio designed environmental graphics encouraging stair use instead of the elevator, through improved signage and placemaking patterns. A color was selected to distinguish each level, and flooring and wall finishes were matched to create distinct characteristics per floor while forming a cohesive physical identity for the department. The finish palette emphasizes environmentally responsible products throughout the four-floor renovation and creates a living breathing interior space for the building’s occupants.