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300 New Jersey Avenue

300 New Jersey Avenue - Concept

RRP wanted to integrate a new office building with the two existing buildings. The original buildings were built in 1935 to standards reflecting early twentieth century office planning. The concept for the new building is firmly rooted in early twenty-first century thinking, reflecting the concerns of today – that is, efficiency of space and the egalitarian placement of offices. The need to emphasise the distribution of natural light is a key concern, as well as methods of animating the space through circulation systems and structure.

The main focus of the two existing buildings is the site’s perimeter, rather than the common interior space. This means that the two buildings have until now functioned independently of one another, and in doing so have failed to maximise the potential of the inner courtyard between them.

RRP’s concept is based around the idea of creating a new ‘independent’ building which unifies the two existing buildings, facing inwardly to the courtyard. By turning the focus inwards to the centre of the site – rather than outwards to the perimeter – the three buildings are able to interact with each other. This communication between the three buildings is enabled by an interior circulation ‘tree’, which consists of a series of internal platforms which link the three buildings via architectural bridges. The bridges and platforms will act as informal meeting areas for the buildings’ users.

The purpose of the circulation ‘tree’ is threefold. It supports the internal platforms; serves as a spring point from which the atrium’s glass roof is balanced; and finally acts as the main expression of the concept behind the integration of the three buildings, by physically linking the buildings together.

    City & Context

One of the main challenges was integrating the two existing buildings with a new building. The differences between old and new include varying floor-to-floor heights; use of natural light; choice of building materials; inclusion of communal gathering spaces; and flexibility of space. Working practices have changed significantly since the construction of the original buildings – understanding these changes is a crucial consideration in the design process of this project. 

    Legibiltiy

A clear distinction is achieved by allowing the new building to be structurally and physically independent from the existing buildings. The new and existing buildings are joined by the introduction of an innovative device, the ‘circulation tree’: a series of bridges and platforms which provide common gathering spaces, which in turn animate the space.