The Hive - David Haresign

The Hive

After having outgrown our space in a historic Dupont Circle rowhouse, Bonstra | Haresign ARCHITECTS returned to its roots in the emerging 14th Street Corridor. Our new, larger and more collaborative studio, The Hive, is a single-floor, 7,000 SF open workspace that emphasizes collaboration and communication. Programmed uses are arranged to provide maximum circulation and interconnectedness, while offering access to natural light and views from a variety of vantage points. A consistent palette of materials and colors features the richness of a reclaimed 1929 maple floor, walnut wall and furniture panels; crisp white work surfaces; restrained gray floor, ceiling, and millwork elements, and the zeal of green and maize accents. A hexagonal motif throughout the space reinforces the concept of ‘The Hive,’ and was chosen as a counterpoint to the orthogonal arrangement of the space. The end result is a vibrant working environment featuring a variety of flexible and multi-use spaces demonstrating modern sensibilities connected to the city and its history, and consistent with our caliber of work.

Axon Diagram

Maintaining views through the length of the space, as well as providing access to light, were organizing principles in the development of the space plan.

Solid walls, interior offices, utility spaces, and other vertical design elements are oriented parallel to the side walls to capitalize on views and daylight from the eastern (front) and western (rear) façades. The two major meeting spaces, the main conference room and the staff presentation/breakroom, intentionally run contra to these solid planes, creating nodes of activity.

Final Space Plan

Floor finishes organize the various uses in the space. Reclaimed wood floors line major circulation paths in public areas, while a decorative concrete topping surface and hexagonal carpet tile unify the collaborative spaces and work spaces, offices, and conference rooms respectively.

Shell Building Plan

Workstations are arranged to encourage communication between staff. Tapered desk surfaces orient users slightly outward towards standing visitors (1), visual breaks in the rhythm of the overhead storage elements dissolve the workstations while still providing a sense of privacy (2), and seating cushions allow for short, informal meetings and conversations (3).

Reception Desk Elevations