Office Building Renovation
Matrix Beyond Bronze

Office Building Renovation for SJ

This project transforms the modernist Seagram Building into a future workplace, prioritizing human well being and environmental responsibility while preserving its iconic bronze facade. A new double skin structure enhances energy performance, within which the added structures define adaptable zones, serving as partitions and storages that reshape the open plan layout. Addressing post-pandemic workplace needs, this intervention revitalizes the Seagram Building, reestablishing its relevance through a renewed internal matrix.

Shujian You 2025 Professional Iron Press Kit № 167692

Download Press Kit № 167692

Download Press Kit № 167692 Office Building Renovation for SJ by Shujian You to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.


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Matrix Beyond Bronze by Shujian You
Matrix Beyond Bronze by Shujian You

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

For precise, vibrant prints up to 6 inches, use this 1800-pixel image at 300 DPI. For larger visuals up to 12 inches, 150 DPI ensures the image remains clear and impactful. Press credentials grant access to download high-res, watermark-free images. Alternatively, download a low-res version instantly. For photo credit information, refer to the Image Credits Section.

Office Building Renovation by Shujian You
Office Building Renovation by Shujian You

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Utilize this 1800-pixel image at 300 DPI for sharp, detailed prints up to 6 inches. When your narrative requires larger images, deploying it at 150 DPI allows for clear, impactful visuals up to 12 inches. Press credentials grant access to download high-res, watermark-free images. Alternatively, download a low-res version instantly. Details on photo contributions are located in the Image Credits Section.

Shujian You Matrix Beyond Bronze
Shujian You Matrix Beyond Bronze

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

This 1800-pixel image adapts to your print needs: sharp and detailed at 6 inches with 300 DPI, it transitions smoothly to 12 inches at 150 DPI, preserving visual quality. Accredited press members can download high-res images free of watermarks. Alternatively, low-res images are instantly available. Details on photo contributions are located in the Image Credits Section.

Shujian You Office Building Renovation
Shujian You Office Building Renovation

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

For precise, vibrant prints up to 6 inches, use this 1800-pixel image at 300 DPI. For larger visuals up to 12 inches, 150 DPI ensures the image remains clear and impactful. Accredited press members can download high-res images free of watermarks. Alternatively, low-res images are instantly available. For photo credit information, refer to the Image Credits Section.

Shujian You Designer Portrait Photo
Shujian You Designer Portrait Photo

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

This 1800-pixel image offers versatility for print: achieve crisp, detailed prints up to 6 inches at 300 DPI, or opt for larger, yet still sharp visuals up to 12 inches at 150 DPI. Press pass? Download high-res, watermark-free images. Or, get immediate access to low-res images without accreditation. Image attributions can be found in the Image Credits Section.

SJBrand Logo
SJBrand Logo

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Harness the clarity of this 1800-pixel image for your prints—perfectly sharp at 6 inches with 300 DPI and equally clear at 12 inches when adjusted to 150 DPI. High-res images, watermark-free, are yours with press accreditation; or grab a low-res copy now, no wait required. Please check the Image Credits Section for photo acknowledgements.

Unique Properties

This project reimagines the Seagram Building by superimposing a 45-degree grid onto its modernist framework, creating a double-skin facade that enhances energy efficiency while preserving its heritage, with triangular wellness spaces in between. Added structures transform the office space into adaptable zones, serving as storage, partitions, and stairs that redefine the open-plan layout. The design prioritizes well-being, sustainability, and a forward-thinking workplace vision.

Tags

Building Renovation, Workplace, Co-working Space, Modular Design, Sustainable Design

Production Technology

The facade retrofit employs a modular CLT and double-glazed curtain wall system, ensuring precision, reduced waste, and efficient on-site assembly. Sustainably sourced timber provides structural integrity and warmth, while high-performance glazing enhances insulation. The directional facade strategy and Integrated blinds offer additional shading, reducing energy demand. The modular approach allows seamless integration with the existing structure, preserving heritage while upgrading thermal and spatial efficiency.

Design Challenge

The greatest challenge was balancing modern sustainability with the Seagram Building’s historic integrity. The rigid modernist grid conflicted with the need for a workplace suggested by latest researches that value boundaries as a tool for productivity and well-being. The solution emerged by superimposing a 45-degree grid, introducing modular storage partition units and an inner facade system. This approach preserved the original aesthetic while enhancing building energy performance and redefining spatial boundaries as a positive element that enhances workplace quality.

Project Duration

Future project in New York City

Operation Flow

Added structures serve as staggered partitions and storage walls, balancing fluid movement and the creation of spatial boundaries while redefining the open-plan layout. They form diverse work zones, integrating reception, meeting spaces, a library, a refreshment lounge, and staircases to foster interaction. Integrated AR/MR systems amplify collaboration, enabling seamless interaction between physical and remote virtual spaces.

Research

This research explores building energy efficiency, workplace design through post-pandemic shifts, and spatial psychology. It aims to provide a scalable strategy to transform heritage office buildings with improved sustainability and workers' well-being. Using case studies, simulations, and expert interviews, data was collected on improved building energy performance with added inner facade system, and altered office behavior with partitions. Testing modular partition of different plans and openness revealed how structured boundaries enhance focus and productivity, providing a direction for future workplace design.

Inspiration

The Seagram Building, a modernist icon, embodies minimalist elegance but reflects a time when energy efficiency was secondary. It highlights the challenge of adapting heritage buildings to modern performance standards and evolving workplace needs, especially post-pandemic. Open-plan offices, once symbols of collaboration, now face criticism for lacking personal boundaries. How can we honor modernist architecture while meeting today’s demand for sustainable, human-centered office spaces?

Project Overview

Matrix Beyond Bronze Office Building Renovation has been a Iron winner in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Image Credits

For design images and photos please credit Shujian You.

Shujian You Designer Portrait Photo Award Logo
Iron Recognition

Shujian You was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Matrix Beyond Bronze Office Building Renovation.

Shujian You Designer Portrait Photo
Shujian You Newsroom

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