Urban Child Institute
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Architecture
Interior Design
Wayfinding/Signage -
Adaptive Reuse
Low Maintenance Materials
Reclaimed Building Materials -
Completed January 2018
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Memphis, Tennessee
The client desired a new space offering a more central location to deliver innovative initiatives focusing on prevention and wellness, as well as associated educational and scientific research activities.
Urban Child Institute is a recognized leader in child advocacy, a valued community partner, and a source of support for aligned organizations. The new office, meeting, and training space is designed for flexibility in support of their mission to promote the education, health, and well-being of young children in Shelby County.
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Urban Child Institute chose a newly renovated distribution center in Memphis for its relocation. Three ceiling bulk heads/bands carry all utilities and conduit from the core and shell mechanical room to spaces within the new space. The circulation corridors in-between these bands are then able to remain raw and clean, preserving the history of the original structure, while portraying professionalism and seriousness of this non-profit. The bands are articulated through a dialogue between the ceiling and floor. On the ceiling, the three bands are emphasized with tectum, offering acoustical absorption. It was determined this was a much-needed feature within the large, brick and concrete context. Shifting the direction of the carpet grain reinforces the banding and aligns with the existing column grid. A set of design conditions establish the paint colors to accentuate the banding and existing context. Walls meeting a tectum-clad ceiling are painted white, while walls meeting a concrete ceiling are painted a pale blue—selected to evoke peacefulness required during childcare. Walls meeting the existing column always react either with glass panels or through a subtle relief detail in the gyp board—both aligned with the cap of the column. Harmonious detailing of two-inch wall base, storefront sills, and door frames reflects the straightforward and intentional goals of the organization.