American Red Cross of the Mid-South
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Architecture
Interior Design
Programming
Site Planning
Wayfinding/Signage -
Adaptive Reuse
Low Maintenance Materials -
Completed April 2015
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Memphis, Tennessee
American Red Cross of the Mid-South needed a new space to aid its organization’s growing outreach including volunteer training and disaster relief. The organization relocated into an existing building in need of major renovation, but poised to offer critical access to healthcare resources in the event of a disaster. Located in the Medical District, the new space also offered room for future growth.
Faced with the task of a complete overhaul and a small budget, minimal but impactful design moves were needed to maximize the new space’s potential. Taking advantage of the existing parking lot, the main entrance was moved to the south side of the building. New planters, perforated metal panels and fresh paint updated this face and highlighted the relocated entry. The new lobby, previously a cramped, one-story hallway, was opened up to become a welcoming double height space with a feature staircase leading to the second floor. Offices and meeting spaces, both a priority for the organization, were incorporated into the building’s existing framework on both the first and second floor. Interiors were finished using a minimal monochrome color palette to contrast the pops of red used in the furniture throughout the project, as well as on the main staircase, highlighting the iconic identity of the organization.
