Work Attic

The “Work Attic” is a co-working space housed in the top floor of a historical school building built in 1891, in downtown Boulder. Our approach to the conceptual and schematic design of the project focused on improving the qualities of light at play, and creating connections, flow, and differentiations between sub-areas of the 6,000 square foot space.

• New volume and airiness was introduced by opening up and vaulting the ceilings.
• Natural light was invited into the space through the addition of several clerestories. At midday, sunlight is diffused throughout the space. In early mornings and winter, oblique angles of light enter more directly, creating light “events.”
• The sub-areas were conceived to provide a spectrum of work settings: from private to group, and casual to more formal. The space contains private “phone booths,” individual work desks, open sitting and meeting areas, and enclosed meeting areas.
• The volumes created by vaulting the ceiling informed the sub-space’s purpose. An enclosed round-table meeting room is centered under a peaked vaulted ceiling with woodclad interior, creating an inspiring and dramatic visual focus. In other areas, white ceilings help to bounce and diffuse sunlight.