Gerner Kronick + Valcarcel Architects, PC (GKV), a New York-based award-winning architecture firm, has been tapped to create a new look for the Commonwealth Bank of Australia's New York headquarters, located at 599 Lexington Ave. The renovation of the 22,000-square-foot space is expected to be completed by April 2011.
GKV's design will utilize the global standards of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and will include the elevator lobby, reception, boardroom, dining room, executive and core restrooms as well as the trading floor.
The elevator lobby will feature back-painted glass and silk screened logos as well as a video wall for a modern and high-tech design aesthetic. Laser-cut vinyl designs will be applied to glass office fronts to create translucency. The boardroom will feature state-of-the-art video conferencing while the dining room will have a catering pantry to provide flexibility for hosting events and meetings. An open pantry, or hub, will be centrally located in the office space with island seating for informal gatherings or meals.
The design of the trading floor features a raised floor and planters under the windows to take advantage of the natural daylighting and to bring a touch of the outside indoors.
"The phased renovation will allow work to proceed uninterrupted while providing a fresh, new look for the Commonwealth Bank of Australia," explains Richard Kronick, AIA, principal, GKV Architects.
For more information, go to www.gkvarchitects.com.