Location: New York, NY

Parson’s School of Design required more teaching space, and hired LETA to transform existing department offices, on two floors, into flexible use classroom and studio space. The existing perimeter of the space was kept, with the interior offices removed. In allowing for flexible use, the design of the space was very minimal. The hung ceiling was removed, adding height to both spaces and exposing the original detail of the column cornices and tin ceilings. The tall south facing windows of the landmarked facade fill the space with light. Along this wall, LETA designed a continuous floating band that serves as a work surface and seating for students. The remaining walls are wrapped with Forbo wall covering, to be used as pin-up space for the students. The existing hardwood floors were patched and refinished. New ductwork was coordinated with existing systems and branches running through the space. LETA coordinated programming input from faculty and provided multiple furniture layouts based on varying functions of the spaces. Custom designed Bernhardt desks and separators were specified by Parson’s. The design, filing, and construction were executed within a tight time frame. Design took place during the spring semester, with construction spanning the summer break. The spaces are ready for use for Fall of 2016.