Train Stations: Examples of Floor Plans and Sections

The article showcases ten innovative office designs that creatively address the challenge of privacy in open-plan environments through unique floor plan divisions. Each example highlights a distinct approach to partitioning space, ranging from natural elements to architectural interventions and technological solutions. Space Encounters' design for Synchroon in Utrecht utilizes low walls topped with tropical plants. These planters not only create partitions for privacy but also integrate greenery to enhance employee well-being within the 14th-floor office. Another project by Threefold Architects for Pocket Living's London office introduces an “inhabited wall.” This 40-meter-long plywood and steel structure serves as a divider between communal areas and workspaces, ingeniously incorporating meeting rooms, wellness rooms, break-out spaces, and a canteen within its form. Medium Plenty's work for Enlisted Design in Oakland employs a colorful canopy of blue, red, and gray strings by artist Annie Tull. This installation defines circulation paths from the entrance to the workspaces, complementing white partitions and plywood pegboard walls. Particular Architects, in designing their own office, implemented movable furniture and fold-down desks. This allows for easy reconfiguration of the space, transforming it from individual workstations to a meeting room as needed, drawing inspiration from micro-home design principles. Studio Octopi’s design for the UK headquarters of 18 Feet & Rising features a dark plywood tunnel that connects offices to the boardroom, effectively dividing the space. Additionally, low plywood screens separate desk areas from communal zones. ACDF Architecture used a vibrant color palette derived from Playster’s logo to differentiate various areas within Playster’s 1,670-square-meter Montreal headquarters, applying colors to walls and floors to visually define functions. Vladimir Radutny Architects introduced two irregularly shaped volumes into the Sukhman Yagoda Law offices in Chicago. These blank white partitions contrast with the building's original timber columns and exposed brick, segmenting the 372-square-meter loft. Space Encounters’ design for Joolz headquarters in Amsterdam uses a row of three glasshouses filled with plants to divide a former warehouse. These glasshouses function as informal meeting rooms, integrating nature into the office environment. MTRMGR, a Polish architecture studio, created semi-transparent office cubicles for sound production company Ztudio. Constructed from varnished pine frames and polycarbonate sheets, these cubicles surround a central space, offering a balance of enclosure and openness. Finally, Float Studio’s design for mattress brand Casper’s New York offices features three blue boxes. While two house storage and a meeting room, the third contains beds for informal meetings or employee rest, highlighting a focus on employee comfort and flexible work arrangements. #OfficeInteriors #FloorPlans #OfficeDesign #WorkplaceInnovation #ArchitecturalDesign #PrivacySolutions #FlexibleWorkspaces #InteriorArchitecture

The New York City subway system is celebrated not only for its transportation utility but also for its distinctive artistic elements, particularly the intricate tile work and mosaic installations found throughout its stations. This article highlights 20 subway stops that showcase impressive public art, reflecting both historical craftsmanship and modern artistic expression. These pieces often result from collaborations between artists, fabricators, and the MTA, with some stations preserving the influence of the subway system's earliest architects. The South Ferry station, despite the loss of a major tile piece during Hurricane Sandy, still features ceramic ships by subway architects George Heins and Christopher LaFarge in its old section. The inaccessible Old City Hall station, closed since 1945, was renowned for its beautiful tile work by Rafael Guastavino, whose undulating ceiling can still be glimpsed near the Manhattan Municipal Building entrance. Bleecker Street (6) and Astor Place (6) stations, part of the original IRT line, display Beaux Arts-inspired tile work and beaver tiles by Heins and LaFarge, with Astor Place also featuring a modern mosaic by Milton Glaser that draws inspiration from the station's existing architecture. Squire Vickers, who worked on over 300 NYC subway stations for nearly 40 years, introduced a more simplified yet intricately patterned and color-coordinated tile design, exemplified at the 28th Street (1) station. At 34th Street-Herald Square, Michele Oka Doner's 1991 installation, 'Radiant Site,' uses over 10,000 gilded tiles to offer commuters a moment of reflection. The newer 34th Street-Hudson Yards (7) station features Xenobia Bailey’s 'Funktional Vibrations,' two vibrant glass tile mosaics initially rendered in crochet. Elizabeth Murray's 'Blooming' at Lexington Avenue-59th Street (4/5/6/N/R/W) uses glass mosaic murals that cascade through tunnels, incorporating poetry and symbolizing passage. The 81st Street-Museum of Natural History (B/C) station is adorned with animal-inspired art, 'For Want of a Nail,' utilizing various materials to depict flora and fauna. The 86th Street (Q) station on the Second Avenue subway features Chuck Close’s 'Subway Portraits,' a series of 12 intricate mosaics. Sarah Sze’s 'Blueprint for a Landscape' at 96th Street (Q) is a massive 14,000-square-foot installation of porcelain tiles depicting elements of city life. The 161st Street-Yankee Stadium (4/B/D) station, designed by Vito Acconci, features tile work that creates an illusion of a sliding wall and even serves as seating. Further examples include Wopo Holup’s subtle ceramic bird shapes at Dyckman Street (1), Andrea Dezsö’s vibrant 'Community Garden' mosaic at Bedford Park Blvd-Lehman College (4), and Soonae Tark’s uplifting 'Have a Happy Day' geometric glass tile piece at Buhre Avenue (6). Ik-Joong Kang’s installation at Flushing-Main Street (7) consists of 2,000 ceramic tiles, each depicting a unique aspect of the Flushing community. The Eastern Parkway-Brooklyn Museum (2/3) station displays pieces from demolished buildings, framed by rich blue and gold mosaics. Susan Tunick’s ceramic flora installation at Prospect Park (B/Q/S) draws inspiration from the nearby park and the Arts and Crafts movement. Finally, Rita MacDonald’s optical illusion tile work at Avenue M (Q) and DeBorah Goletz’s 'Postcards From Sheepshead Bay' at Sheepshead Bay (B/Q) capture historical recreational moments, completing this diverse collection of subway art. #NewYorkSubway #PublicArt #TileArt #MosaicMurals #SubwayStations #NYCArchitecture #MTAArtsAndDesign #UrbanArt

Effective interior space planning is crucial for creating a home that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, whether undertaking a renovation or building a new house. The design choices vary significantly based on budget and lifestyle. Beginning the planning process by envisioning an ideal space, without initial limitations, allows for creative freedom. A key step involves defining interior zones and their intended uses, then orienting each space according to the home's solar path, ensuring comfort by avoiding overexposure to sunlight. Several layout options exist to achieve desired functionality and style. Open-plan living, for instance, modernizes a home by removing walls to create large, seamless spaces. While this enhances a home's "wow factor" and facilitates socializing, it can reduce privacy and amplify noise. Open-plan kitchens, though popular, may not suit all households, especially if a cozy living room is adjacent to a busy kitchen. To mitigate these issues, subdividing open-plan rooms into functional zones is recommended, always considering the unique constraints and opportunities of the interior. Broken-plan living offers an alternative, providing subtle ways to segment rooms while maintaining a sense of openness. This approach is particularly beneficial for busy families, allowing for distinct zones without fully enclosed walls. Techniques include using varied floor finishes, movable partitions, or splitting living areas across multiple levels. Broken-plan design allows for spatial separation, which is advantageous in smaller properties or when building on a compact plot. Material continuity, such as using the same flooring in adjacent areas like the kitchen and hallway, can tie different zones together. Mezzanines introduce additional floor area without increasing the property's footprint, typically situated above double-height rooms. They serve as a focal point and offer versatile spaces for offices or sleeping platforms, especially useful in modern conversions or homes with limited space. Planning a mezzanine involves considering height, structural requirements, daylight access, and finishing materials, including choices for stairs and balustrades that impact privacy and openness. Atriums are large internal courtyards, either covered or open-air, designed to maximize natural light throughout the interior. They connect the property with the outdoors and create a striking central feature, often linked to surrounding rooms by multiple doorways. Atriums are suitable for properties with substantial plots or larger homes needing modernization, and are particularly effective in naturally sunlight-deprived buildings. Internal glazing can further enhance light penetration and visual connection. Multilevel living spaces provide a focal point within a single room, using steps to divide areas for different functions. This can range from sunken living rooms to balconies overlooking the space below. Multilevel designs are an efficient way to achieve a trendy, broken-plan aesthetic. However, their practical implications should be considered for long-term homes or those with young children. Inside-outside living aims to blur the boundaries between the interior and exterior, increasing natural light and, in limited plots, effectively "borrowing" space from the garden. This is achieved through elements like slim glazing frames and extending interior color schemes outdoors, ensuring flush floor levels between the spaces. Finally, internal glazing, such as glass doors, is vital for enhancing light levels and visually expanding smaller rooms, while solid doors offer privacy and stronger spatial delineation. Careful consideration of door placement and opening direction is essential for furniture arrangement and overall flow. #InteriorDesign #FloorPlan #HomeRenovation #OpenPlanLiving #Mezzanines #Atriums #SpacePlanning

Artist Boryana Ilieva created an ongoing project called "Floor Plan Croissant," which features meticulously painted floor plans of cinematic spaces from popular films. The idea for this series emerged in 2014 after Ilieva attended a lecture by Finnish architect Juhani Pallasmaa, who discussed the architectural aspects of cinema in his book, "The Architecture of Image." Ilieva, an architect and film enthusiast, became fascinated by the interplay between film and architecture and decided to conduct her own studies of notable films. Ilieva's process involves an in-depth investigation of each film to identify the main characters' houses. She begins by plotting the architectural details on graph paper, then transfers a delicate pencil sketch onto paper, which is subsequently filled with layers of watercolor. Her artistic approach combines a precise understanding of color and a keen eye for detail, making her floor plans function as both fine art paintings and analytical representations of the unique environments seen in movies. Her work allows viewers to visualize the previously intangible rooms, buildings, and spaces that define these cinematic worlds. The project includes floor plans from films such as "Parasite" (2019), "Roma" (2018), and "Call Me By Your Name" (2017). The illustrations provided showcase various works from the "Floor Plan Croissant" series. These include detailed watercolor renditions of the "Parasite" house, a scene from "Call Me By Your Name," and an overview of different Wes Anderson movie floor plans. Specific examples from Wes Anderson's filmography include "The Darjeeling Limited" and "Hotel Chevalier." Other films featured in the collection are "Portrait of a Lady on Fire," "Get Out," "Blade Runner," "The Dreamers," "Blue Velvet," "Stealing Beauty," "Eyes Wide Shut," "Phantom Thread," "Last Tango in Paris," and even a floor plan inspired by the TV series "Stranger Things" and the film "The Matrix." Each illustration highlights the unique architectural elements and atmosphere of the respective movie or show. Ilieva's work is available for purchase, with prints of "Floor Plan Croissant" available through Society6. Original paintings from the series can be acquired directly from her website. Through this project, Ilieva provides a unique perspective on the relationship between cinematic storytelling and architectural design, inviting audiences to explore the environments of their favorite films in a new and tangible way. The project demonstrates how physical spaces within films are integral to character development and narrative progression, offering an architectural analysis through artistic interpretation. #FloorPlanCroissant #MovieSetDesign #FilmArchitecture #WatercolorIllustration #BoryanaIlieva #CinematicSpaces #ArtAndFilm #SetDesignAnalysis #CreativeArt

Drawbotics, a real estate marketing company, embarked on an extensive project to create detailed 3D floor plans of office settings from popular television shows. This initiative involved weeks of dedicated viewing and over 200 hours of work to ensure accuracy and capture the unique characteristics of each fictional workspace. The project aimed to offer fans a new way to experience their favorite shows by visualizing the intricate layouts and memorable details of these iconic offices. The selection of TV shows for this project primarily focused on those with office-based settings, including *Mad Men*, *Parks and Recreation*, *Suits*, *The Office*, *Silicon Valley*, and a police precinct from *Brooklyn Nine-Nine*. The complexity of recreating these floor plans varied significantly between shows. For instance, the layout of *The Office* was relatively straightforward to reproduce, requiring the team to incorporate specific small details observed during their extensive viewings to bring the Dunder Mifflin Scranton branch to life. Conversely, the law offices featured in *Suits* presented a considerable challenge. The Drawbotics team encountered conflicting information online regarding the office's structure and layout, necessitating extensive viewing hours to accurately map out the complex and often confusing workspace. This particular recreation demanded a meticulous approach to reconcile discrepancies and ensure the final 3D model was as faithful as possible to the on-screen depiction. The most enjoyable office to recreate, according to the Drawbotics team, was that of *Parks and Recreation*. The offices in Pawnee were rich in personality, characterized by whimsical paintings and distinctive elements like Ron Swanson's unique desk. These idiosyncratic details provided ample material for a vibrant and engaging 3D rendering, allowing the team to infuse the model with the show's beloved charm and humor. Each 3D floor plan is designed to be highly detailed, allowing viewers to explore every nook and cranny of these fictional environments and rediscover elements they might have missed during initial viewings. The project also included a subtle hint, an "Easter egg," hidden within one of the floor plans, teasing an upcoming project from Drawbotics. This element adds an interactive and discovery-oriented layer for attentive fans. #TVShowFloorPlans #3DFloorPlans #OfficeDesign #PopCulture #TelevisionShows #ArchitecturalVisualization #MadMen #TheOffice #ParksAndRec #SiliconValley #BrooklynNineNine

This article offers comprehensive guidance on optimizing floor plans during home renovations, emphasizing thoughtful design over simply recreating existing layouts. It highlights key considerations for homeowners, particularly those already living in their renovation space, who can leverage their experience to inform design decisions. The advice is structured around seven core principles for effective spatial planning. First, the article stresses the importance of not merely replicating a home's original layout. Instead, it encourages a fresh assessment of the available space to determine its most efficient and functional use. Jenna, a former contestant on 'The Block', is quoted emphasizing that the initial stages of spatial planning are the most critical, as all subsequent aesthetic and cost-based decisions stem from this foundational design process. Second, the blog post addresses the trend of open-plan living, advising careful consideration before undertaking extensive demolition. It suggests that homeowners should analyze their family's lifestyle and how they genuinely intend to use the space to avoid regretting structural changes. Carlene, from 'The Block: Glass House', advises against indiscriminately knocking down walls, advocating for a design that truly accommodates the inhabitants' living patterns. Third, the article focuses on traffic flow, recommending that homeowners plan how people will navigate through each room and the entire home. This consideration is crucial for furniture placement and for designing practical areas like kitchens and laundries. The advice is to group related functions, such as placing a sink next to a dishwasher, to enhance efficiency and convenience. Fourth, the article discusses integrating outdoor and indoor spaces to create a seamless transition. It cites the example of the Gatwick apartments from 'The Block 2018', which successfully enclosed outdoor entertaining areas to make them usable despite varying weather conditions, effectively doubling living spaces. This approach allows for the enjoyment of outdoor amenities regardless of external factors. Fifth, maximizing natural light is presented as a vital aspect of floor plan design. The article notes that bright, well-lit homes contribute to a positive living environment. For spaces where natural light is scarce due to window orientation, skylights are recommended as an effective solution to illuminate dimly lit rooms and hallways, as demonstrated by Kyal and Kara's renovation using VELUX skylights. Sixth, the importance of ample storage is heavily emphasized, with a humorous reference to Shaynna Blaze, known for her strong advocacy for storage solutions. The article suggests creative ways to incorporate hidden storage, such as built-in banquettes and floor-to-ceiling cupboards. It also advises considering attic conversions for additional storage, noting that such improvements can significantly increase a home's resale value. Finally, the article highlights that every centimeter of space counts, especially in small to medium-sized layouts. Darren Palmer, a judge on 'The Block', advises minimizing transitional spaces like wide hallways to allocate more square footage to functional amenities. This strategic use of space ensures that no area is wasted, contributing to a more efficient and livable home. The article concludes by encouraging readers to subscribe to their newsletter for more renovation tips and offers. #Renovation #TheBlock #DIY #RenovatingAdvice #RenovationAdvice #Tips #TipsAndTricks #FloorPlan #HomeImprovement

Subway tiles, characterized by their 3-by-6-inch glazed ceramic form, have been a pervasive design element in American kitchens and bathrooms for an extended period, originating from New York City's subway tunnels. While considered a classic and affordable option, designers and homeowners are observing a growing weariness with its ubiquitous presence. The shift away from this traditional tile is indicative of a desire for fresh aesthetic approaches in interior design. Several alternative tile trends are emerging, offering diverse styles and functionalities. Moroccan-inspired tiles, for instance, are gaining popularity, particularly among those seeking to move beyond conventional designs. These tiles often feature trellis or ironwork patterns and vibrant colors, injecting an exotic flair into spaces like bathrooms and kitchens. They are versatile, suitable for backsplashes, stair risers, and full wall or floor treatments, according to design experts. Another trend involves the re-imagination of square tiles, moving away from the all-white, rectangular subway tile. Designers are advocating for white square tiles, typically 4-by-4 inches, installed with darker grout lines. The key innovation lies in the installation pattern, with a 1- or 2-inch offset lay on horizontal or vertical rows, creating a more engaging and contemporary look compared to the traditional brick-laid style. Geometric designs, characterized by bold, interlocking shapes, are also trending. Painted concrete tiles with large patterns are recommended for an updated aesthetic. These tiles can be integrated with existing subway tiles, such as using geometric patterns on the floor while retaining subway tiles in the shower, demonstrating a harmonious blend of old and new. Cement tiles, despite their historical presence since the 1800s, are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, partly attributed to their use in prominent home design shows. Homeowners are drawn to their vibrant colors and large-scale patterns, which are created by hand-pouring pigmented concrete into decorative molds. While visually striking, these tiles require sealing for maintenance and can be a pricier option. As an alternative, porcelain tiles that mimic the appearance of cement are available, offering a similar aesthetic with less maintenance and cost. More subdued cement tile designs are also available for a classic look. Herringbone patterns, traditionally seen in brick patios and fireplaces, are making a comeback in tile design. It is crucial to distinguish herringbone from chevron patterns; herringbone features a staggered, broken zigzag without the 'V' shape characteristic of chevron. This subtle difference is significant in design, with herringbone being seen as a more enduring choice. Metallic tiles are another emerging trend, adding a luminous quality to interiors. Large metallic tiles, often handmade and glazed, are favored for backsplashes due to their ease of cleaning and reflective surfaces. Copper, in particular, is highlighted for its 'snazziness.' Harlequin patterns, historically associated with black and white checkered floors, are being reinterpreted for kitchen backsplashes. These diamond-stacked tiles provide a graphic element without being overwhelming. Modern iterations include oversized designs, as well as traditional and contemporary versions crafted from materials like marble or cement. Finally, fish scale designs offer a distinct departure from the linear, symmetrical aesthetic of subway tiles. These scallop-shaped tiles, with their swooping curves, are gaining traction in both bathrooms and kitchens. Their soft, organic forms provide a visual contrast to traditional angular tiles and are particularly suited for homes near water or outdoor living spaces, such as pool houses or patio grill stations. #TileTrends #HomeImprovement #InteriorDesign #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #MoroccanTile #GeometricTile #CementTile #HerringbonePattern #MetallicTile #HarlequinPattern #FishScaleTile

The article delves into the concept of a 'broken floor plan,' also known as a semi-open floor plan, presenting it as a middle ground between fully open and closed floor plans. This design approach incorporates architectural features or design elements to subtly divide spaces without completely isolating them. The article highlights the increasing appeal of broken floor plans, particularly for individuals who find open floor plans overwhelming but closed floor plans too restrictive, offering a balanced environment that caters to varied lifestyle needs and preferences. It emphasizes that while open floor plans promote seamless transitions and minimal barriers, broken floor plans offer enhanced privacy, greater functional flexibility, and increased visual interest through strategic divisions. Key design experts, Samantha Pratt, owner and principal designer at Samantha Ashley Designs, and Elizabeth Vergara, CEO and founder of Vergara Homes, contribute their insights into understanding and optimizing broken floor plans. They explain that these layouts utilize subtle distinctions such as glass partitions, thoughtful furniture arrangements, changes in floor levels, and distinct wall treatments to define areas. These elements allow for the creation of versatile zones, such as a private reading nook or a semi-enclosed home office, without sacrificing a sense of connection within the larger space. The article elaborates on the advantages of broken floor plans, including better sound control and a structured yet connected environment, contrasting them with open floor plans that typically lack permanent dividers. Designing and styling a broken floor plan requires a strategic approach to ensure cohesion across interconnected spaces. The experts recommend maintaining a consistent flooring material and a complementary color palette throughout the entire area to create a unified aesthetic. This consistency helps to link different zones visually, even when architectural elements provide separation. Strategic furniture placement is crucial for defining areas and functions; for instance, a sofa can delineate a living space, while area rugs can anchor specific zones. Additionally, incorporating partial walls, built-in shelving, or glass partitions can further enhance separation without entirely blocking views or natural light. The article provides practical examples of broken floor plans in various home settings. One example showcases a sitting room seamlessly integrated with a primary bedroom, where similar textiles, consistent color schemes, and eye-catching wallpaper are used to maintain visual harmony while still distinguishing the two areas. Another illustration features a kitchen and dining area connected by a hallway, where large statement lighting acts as a visual guide, drawing the eye between the rooms and preventing them from feeling entirely disconnected. The emphasis on clear sightlines and light, airy aesthetics in this example reinforces the interconnectedness. A third example discusses a broken floor plan involving different levels, such as a living room leading to an upstairs area and then a kitchen, all without full walls or doors. In such layouts, maintaining a cohesive color palette, layering lighting for ambiance and functionality, and introducing diverse textures and tones are vital to creating a harmonious flow between the distinct levels. Ultimately, the article positions the broken floor plan as an enduring and adaptable design choice that effectively bridges the gap between the varying popularity of open and closed layouts. It offers a solution for homeowners seeking a balance between spaciousness and defined functional areas, providing practical guidance from design professionals to maximize the potential of this versatile architectural style. The advice centers on thoughtful design choices that promote both individuality and unity within a home's interior, ensuring that each space serves its purpose while remaining connected to the whole. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #FloorPlans #BrokenFloorPlan #OpenFloorPlan #RoomDesign #DesignTips #ArchitecturalFeatures #SpacePlanning