Community Service Society

Location: New York City

The offices of the Community Service Society of New York (CSSNY) are an example that design is at its best when everyone is given the opportunity to be part of the dialogue and while spirited discussions may ensue, the end result refines and raises the collective aspirations of many.  The goals set by CSSNY were simple; as a condominium office space that CSSNY now owned, the space had to be of enduring value.  The priority then was efficient use of their 45,000 square feet of space within a light-filled, organized environment.  Crucial was understanding and appreciating the functional issues of an advocacy driven organization, which in turn requires an environment that fosters communication of large groups of people, while valuing the individual’s need for contemplative thought.  From that premise, the design of offices and workspaces were distilled to functional solutions that shared common dimensional denominators based on the building module.  The resulting plan responds to current needs as well as adapts to future requirements with minimal to no reconfiguration.  CSSNY’s new headquarters combine efficiency of planning, abundant access to natural light and simple appointments in a tasteful setting that will serve the test of time for decades to come.