Commercial Architecture July 2017 - 8

DEPARTMENT

the architects

Left. Combining a robust amenities program with visual connections
among multiple floors helps create an activated social space for this repositioned office property, offering the urban environment that younger
employees may desire.

Proto-Urban
Designs In
The 'Burbs

Below. Adaptive reuse of part of The Tannery in Yardley, PA, combined
a bleacher-style architectural element to serve as stairs and as an
informal relaxation/collaboration space. Exposed industrial elements
create a unique, "authentic" workplace experience.

Creating urban environments in suburban office parks makes it possible for
businesses to attract younger workers.
Joshua Zinder AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
Joshua Zinder Architecture + Design

usinesses of most sizes and types thrive on the

Our own successful repositioning projects focus on

introducing architectural flourishes and contemporary

availability of talented people. Increasingly,

creating robust offerings for shared amenities. By convert-

finishes. The result is a workplace with a unique character,

that talent pool is dominated by the generation

ing central atriums and lobbies into densely programmed

a relaxing vibe, and an authentic experience.

referred to as Millennials, or Generation Y, soon to be

social spaces-with cafes, lounge areas, after-hours coffee

joined by the post-Millennial Generation Z members.

kiosks, and fitness rooms-the environment simultane-

CROSS-GENERATIONAL DESIGN

These younger demographics characteristically prefer

ously attracts younger employees and encourages them to

Younger generations also appreciate a social experience

to live and work in urban environments, which offer a

work longer hours, a bonus for tenant firms. Because these

that is multicultural and multigenerational. An integrat-

highly integrated social atmosphere and density of social

companies will need fewer private amenities, each can opt

ed, collaborative design process is the optimal method for

activity and amenities. But office space in cities can be

for a smaller footprint, giving the owner room to charge a

delivering a workplace that supports this rich social fabric.

very expensive. Can emerging companies compete for

higher per-square-foot rental rate, even as the lessee per-

Owners of suburban properties looking to reposition ef-

top recruits in the suburbs?

ceives that they are getting more value for their money.

fectively will benefit from working with design firms that
have a culturally and generationally diverse staff.

In fact, designers and their owner/developer clients are

Improvements to the property's aesthetic are essential

coming up with creative ways to produce the urban envi-

as well. Shared spaces in older office parks will usually

Our design team's work in creating these proto-urban

ronment that Millennials desire by repositioning existing

need to be made lighter, brighter, and airier, and entrances

environments in the suburbs has benefited from delib-

suburban buildings, with strong ROI results. Many of

may need a refresh for added curb appeal. A cost-effective

erately soliciting input from the range of generationally

these properties were built during the boom of the 1980s

investment in a new look adds a level of prestige that will

diverse designers in our firm. This is not to suggest simply

and have aged poorly. But, by focusing on the potential

have an impact on lessees' employees, clients, and visitors.

"let Millennials design for Millennials." Rather, the most

for the social space within the buildings and deemphasiz-

The right approach can create a timeless aesthetic that

innovative ideas for repositioning office properties tend

ing the expanses of parking, it is possible to create "urban

won't feel dated two or three decades from now.

to come from a kind of cross-pollination among designers
of differing ages and experiences. CA

oases" in the 'burbs. By following a few top-level guidelines, the results can offer the dense social environments

CONSIDER THE END-USER

younger people want, and a timeless aesthetic that any

Remember, the goal is to offer young people aspects of

generation can enjoy.

urban life, even in the suburbs. In addition to desirable
amenities, younger people are attracted to venues that

DON'T BUILD, REPOSITION

support socialization and interaction. This can mean sim-

Owners of properties in suburban office parks have

ply a comfortable place to meet and interact with others

watched over the past two decades as premium tenant

or infrastructure that supports the use of mobile devices.

firms increasingly launched in, or moved to, cities. The

Both are eminently achievable, and at reasonable cost.

Joshua Zinder, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP is founding partner of Joshua Zinder Architecture + Design (JZA+D), an architecture and interiors practice headquartered in Princeton, NJ. The firm's international
portfolio includes commercial, hospitality, retail, and residential projects, as well as product, furniture, and graphic designs.

Interview With
Joshua Zinder

owners have become aware that the aging commercial

In addition, Millennials crave authenticity. This can

properties in their portfolios offered little of what these

be interpreted many ways, but in commercial design it

potential lessees wanted. Savvy owners recognize the op-

can be achieved through adaptive reuse. JZA+D recently

portunity they represent for themselves and for tenants

completed the offices of medical-marketing firm Red Nu-

whose business models don't support leasing expensive

cleus in Yardley, PA, in a 100-year-old building called The

Learn more about creating urban environments in

downtown offices. Cost-effective repositioning strategies

Tannery, because it was originally used for tanning hides.

the suburbs in our interview with Joshua Zinder at

can make aging suburban office properties competitive,

The design team capitalized on the stone, wood, and steel

commercialarchitecturemagazine.com/architects.

and even elevate them to the Class A market.

of the existing structure, leaving much of it exposed and

COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE

JULY 2017

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Commercial Architecture July 2017