National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Workplace Modernization

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke needed a re-imagined workplace to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and attract top talent in support of the country’s most significant neurological research.

The requirements included improving space flexibility, opening the floor plan to allow for cross-departmental collaboration, and enhancing access to natural daylight.

The impactful design solution was achieved by eliminating departmental suites and opening up the floor with a large, curved corridor that serves as the primary circulation path. The new flexible space provides for collaboration and the opportunity for chance meetings.

An open floor plan, in combination with interior glass partitions, provides more than 80% of offices with direct access to natural light. The design balances private workspace with open, flexible communal space.

What began as a dark, outdated office floor was transformed into a collaborative, open, light-filled workplace worthy of an organization focused on the vital work of improving public health.

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Details

Architecture Firm: AE Works Ltd.

Project Team: Tiffany Haile, AICP, LEED AP; Thomas Wallof, AIA; Beverly Shelby, NCIDQ; Fred Santoro, RA; Steve Bucha; Dawn Cindric, AIA; Michael Carroll, PE, DCEP, LEED AP; Aaron Adams; Tony Cillo, PE

Client: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Contractor: Cutlass Contracting, Heath Abbott - General Contractor

Engineers: Woods Peacock, Seth Takoch - Structural Engineer; Koffel Associates, Lee Draper - Fire Protection Engineer

Photographer: Ulf Wallin