confidential client: lobby

client: confidential

location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Completed: 2021

Firm: IKM incorporated

Team credits: Jon Lusin, Adam Yaracs, Shannon Capone, Andrew Ahr, Sydney McDonough

The renovation of an existing granite-clad clad lobby in downtown Pittsburgh had two main design goals: improve the flow of people, and make it much brighter. The first goal was met by collaborating with the security staff, adding updated turnstiles and revolving doors, and locating the desk centrally. The second goal was approached by changing out the dark and cold granite walls for well-lit backpainted glass. Clean lines and alignment are followed throughout the space, including in the new terrazzo floor joints. Two features presented themselves with this project. The wood laminate ceiling is made with custom slats that create a wave, connecting the disjointed centrally lobby with the elevator corridors. Each slat has an LED light concealed into a slot running along the top edge, which creates a diffused uplighting. The joinery and laminate were mocked up twice at the casework fabricator, and the final finish was in fact changed on site through a group decision after we saw the effect of a clear coating next to the rest of the lobby finishes.

At the end of the elevator corridors are existing bank vault doors, relocated from their original location but of historic value. Too heavy to move but not fitting into the contemporary aesthetic on their own, the IKM team put them on display as if in a museum. A custom glass panel gradients to clear from three sides, corresponding with the concealed lighting that wraps the doors from the edges. The gradient and lighting was tested many times on site with quick mockups. The result is a pair of beacons giving character to the new, brighter lobby.

IKM photos by Adam Warner