C O N D É NA S T C A F ETER IA
INTERIORS NEW YORK, NEW YORK
The design concept for the cafeteria at the new offices of Condé Nast was to convert the ordinary dining experience into a light spa where the color and intensity of light can create any desired environment. The walls and ceilings are luminous surfaces with the potential to redefine the space whenever the users wish. Comprised of a main dining space, private dining room, servery, state-ofthe-art kitchen and support spaces, the Condé Nast Cafeteria does more than just lunch. Imagined as a space in which commissioned artists create unique works through the infrastructure of lights and sounds, the programming system is designed to allow them to transform and redefine the space. There are around 70,000 LED nodes that can be individually addressed and controlled by a computer. Some of them are linked to motion sensor cameras, capturing the movements and color palettes of passersby. For instance, as one enters the elevator lobby, a motion corridor greets and guides visitors to this contemporary cafeteria. A luminous glass wall captures visitor’s movements and transforms them into interactive light patterns accompanied by sound effects. In order to maximize the color range of the newest generation of LED lights, the surfaces are constructed of completely colorless low-iron glass with a custom combination of translucent interlayers to disperse the light. The palette of surrounding materials is neutral to emphasize the shades and arrays of illuminating color. With seating for 150 people, the main dining area is entirely surrounded by luminous surfaces. Hidden behind the glowing walls are five blue niches offering privacy for a quieter lunch or an inspired work session. The surfaces in these spaces are soft in nature and have individual sound control. These alcoves are accessed through open slots in the cafeteria’s light walls. The main dining area is divided into north and south sides by four lanterns along the center of the space. These light boxes house existing building structure as well as the power supply for the LED nodes. Movable acoustic fabric panels provide an opportunity to subdivide the northern half of the space, transforming it into a special use area. Further flexibility is provided by the furniture selected for the space, including cafeteria tables with a custom shape that allows loose as well as dense seating layouts. The tables have flip tops and can be stored in two adjacent storage spaces. The servery is designed as a generous rectangular space to facilitate orientation and circulation. The finishes are in a neutral dark gray; down lights and task lights emphasize the food displayed on the stainless steel counters. A private dining room can be accessed either from the motion corridor or through the cash register area. With seating for up to 12 people for dining or 24 with a lecture layout, the room is fully equipped for video conferencing. The 12,000 sf Condé Nast Cafeteria is an instrument that can be played over time by different people in different ways. The space is alive with color, light and sound to relax, refresh and inspire. Behind the luminous walls along the southern edge are five blue niches offering privacy for a quieter lunch or an inspired work session
South Elevation of the LED node layout of main dining room
Main dining space under construction
Floor plan
The Cafeteria’s luminous walls transform an ordinary space into a programmable light spa where the color and intensity of light can be changed to create any desired environment
Servery
Motion corridor entryway
The ceiling becomes animated through a red orb that moves around the space
2007 Gold Interior Design • Miami Bienal 2007 Award of Merit • AIA New York State
Layout, edit, and design of 30”x40” exhibition board for award winner in the AIA New York Design Awards, 2005 client: SOM