Multistudio 521 Studio – Phoenix
Multistudio has developed a new studio space for their architecture firm’s Phoenix operations.
The Multistudio 521 Studio is located in the heart of Phoenix’s downtown warehouse district within a historic paper distribution building. The renovation sought to maintain the building’s integrity and gritty vibe while allowing for an open, collaborative working environment. An additional challenge was to encourage other businesses to envision the possibilities of a work environment within the uninhabited warehouses of the historic area, thereby driving future economic development.
Furniture and material selection helped to establish a balance between the history of the building and modern office use. Desks are a customizable benching system designed to allow for future growth. A material palette of plywood, raw steel, felt and concrete maintains the warehouse look and feel. The central kitchen area and community table creates a focal point, encouraging gathering and reinforcing staff collegiality.
The former loading dock has been transformed into “The Pit” – an all-studio meeting and community engagement space with plywood bench seating. A custom steel bicycle rack holds office bicycles, which employees use to navigate the downtown streets. Infilling the garage door openings of The Pit with storefront glazing enabled us to maintain street presence to the west, while existing glass garage doors on the east open to permit airflow.
Wood bow trusses were enhanced through silicon blasting while the masonry block was left exposed and the existing concrete floors were preserved – complete with yellow parking stripes. A new main entrance on the north side of the building activates the façade and alludes to a future adjacent development.
Design: Multistudio
Contractor: Skyline Construction
Photography: Bill Timmerman, Caleb Alvarado