HAO + studio A+H's flexible office in new york allows changing spatial configurations

managed by Q merges two sides of a business that rarely meet: the high-tech IT headquarters with the daily grit of office cleaning and management. HAO and studio A+H’s new ‘managed by Q’ HQ office is located in soho, new york and is designed to reflect the Q brand directly, emphasizing simultaneously hard work and an inclusive and inviting office environment.

HAO and studio A+H’s new ‘managed by Q’ HQ office is located in soho, new york

the new york based firms HAO and studio A+H have designed around two main ideas — the flexible office space and the program specific wall. the new MBQ-HQ creates a balance that caters to core of the MBQ brand: an office that has the ability to evolve and change on a daily basis while still maintaining its core design identity

the project is conceived with the idea of a flexible office space

throughout the main space, natural materials and an array of flexible and operable objects allow for a light and playful interior that can change at any given moment on both larger and smaller scales. the flexible office space allows for a continuous ebb and flow of activity throughout the day with the only fixed element being the centrally placed Q station, a combined standing meeting and reception desk that act as a fulcrum for the diversity around it.

natural materials and an array of flexible and operable objects allow for a light interior

within the main space, movable full-height raked seating bleachers can be rolled around to physically alter the main space in scale and set up a variety of configurations ranging from smaller scale meeting areas to the monthly all-hands gatherings for hundreds of people. in addition, smaller clusters of movable lounge furniture and planters are designed to create constantly changing configurations and opportunities throughout the day for employees to meet and work in any way imaginable. this compliments the existing exterior walls, which have been built out to create cushioned seating areas allowing people to enjoy the dynamic views in all directions.

movable full-height raked seating bleachers can be rolled around to physically alter the main space

towards the main space, along the full length of the back wall, a series of corian-clad niches provide room for impromptu standing meetings as well as serving stations for events. carved into the wall, hidden away from the hectic activity of the main space is a working library combined with individual phone booths for deep work. in addition, the wall creates specific niches for the kitchen, wardrobe, bathrooms, IT rooms and smaller staff meeting rooms.

set up a variety of configurations ranging from smaller scale meeting areas to the monthly all-hands gatherings

towards the east of the space, an aluminum clad volume houses the three main conference rooms that help define the eastern edge of the main space and shield the areas behind it. along the façade, with expansive views of the city, is the staff training areas and the boardroom.

along the façade, with expansive views of the city, is the staff training areas and the boardroom

about the project, studio A+H director matthias altwicker has stated: ‘with the managed by Q-HQ space we wanted to focus on a design solution that directly reflects the growth and flexibility that is at the core of the q brand. with a focus on maximum flexibility, the new design allows for Q to reconfigure how they work and interact on a daily basis’.