Case study: 515 N State, Chicago

the challenge

Transform the lobby of Kenzo Tange’s iconic Chicago landmark into a purposeful space that added to the experience of tenants and the neighborhood.

ideation

We went bold right off the bat to create a dynamic, communal environment. Our first concepts included an indoor aquaponic vegetable farm co-op for tenants, immersive lodging clusters, and large-scale, place-branded media architecture with a machine-learning content approach.

A notebook sketch featuring an aquaphonic garden in a building lobby.
A close-up sketch of an aquaphonic garden
A sketch of an abstract light fixture.
A sketch of a lobby with wraparound stairs.

solution

We delivered a design intent with very different objectives to provide our client with diverse options for decision-making.

A birds-eye rendering of an outdoor patio outside a skyscraper with plants, seating, and a market.
A 3D rendering of a skyscraper lobby with square lights and a jutting digital display of vivid abstract art.
A rendering of a skyscraper lobby with gardens and picnic tables.
A rendering of a skyscraper lobby with abstract light fixtures and multiple seating areas.

set back

We built physical prototypes of specific concepts to test how they felt in the space. Ultimately, the client team chose a more restrained design direction.

An abstract light fixtures hangs from a lobby. A ladder shows it was freshly installed.
A close up of the white layers of the light fixture.

rethink

In collaboration with the architect of record, we landed on a beautiful and restrained design solution that responds to and respects Kenzo Tange’s original vision.

The well lit, bright lobby with natural light, wrap-around stairs, and red minimalist seating.
A vibrant light board displays colorful abstract art as a woman walks through the lobby.
A branded elevator shows nearby public transit options.
A person looks up at the large digital display of moving abstract art in the lobby.

result

The updated space attracted anew Millenial and Gen Z workforces. The building now hosts WeWork and tech companies like Toast and Dentsu Aegis. Our work ultimately added millions of dollars of annual value to the building for its owners.