The progression from the elegantly proportioned traditional envelope to the inner core, which is reduced to geometric forms and materials, reveals the firm’s emphasis on a streamlined, interactive method of practice. The exterior shell of the building was left untouched, while historic references were simplified or completely stripped away on the interior spaces. Common brick record storage vaults were exposed and rendered in a contemporary manner at the center of the plan, reinforcing the image of strength, stability and permanence at the core of the company. Central to the concept is the “forum” space which simulates a regulation size basketball half-court, creating an informal atmosphere conducive to creative thinking. An exercise room and a full size mock-courtroom, complete with a jury box, were program elements added as the firm expanded.
