How to Tailor 50-Story Office

Abstract

The escalating office vacancy rates in urban environments have emerged as a prominent issue, significantly impacting both the real estate market and the urban landscape. It became visible that the pervasive presence of vacant office spaces not only undermines the vitality of cityscapes but also results in desolate streets, empty store fronts, and underutilized public spaces- everyday spaces that we inhabit.

However, the challenges are not new. In response to this ongoing vacancy crisis, various attempts have sought to re-purpose office buildings for other uses, particularly- housing. Learning from the converted examples, it is evident that the adaptive conversions predominantly target buildings that exhibit inherent adaptability and a conduciveness for transformation. These building forms often possess optional access to natural ventilation and daylight, key considerations for conversion to residential architecture.

Nonetheless, it is evident that there is a significant shift in the evolution of office plans. Notable office buildings, such as the Wainwright Building (1890s), the Chrysler Building (1930s), the Seagram Building (1950s), and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange Building (2010s), demonstrate that office plans have evolved from adaptable and malleable plans to highly specific entities optimized to maximize productivity in alignment with technological advancements and changes in business practices.

However, when these highly specific machines eventually become obsolete, how do we envision an alternative future for these modern office buildings? This prompts the central exploration of the thesis project. This project explores ways to undo the specificity and alter, to not only address the vacancy crisis but also to redefine and reactivate the urban neighborhood.