Referencing two previously completed projects at 310 S Main Tower—the building’s modernized elevator cabs and our level 9 spec suite—this latest project transformed the transitional space on the 9th level, creating unity and anchoring the lobby in its surroundings. The lobby has its own place centered between many opposing ideas: public and private, industrial and grandiose, historic and innovative.

In the pursuit of visual harmony between the opulent ambiance of the main lobby and the raw, minimalist aesthetics of the level 9 spec suite, our design team examined the defining features of each. We looked for opportunities to merge the two styles, resulting in a distinct look that doesn’t feel out of place next to any of its neighbors.

Drawing inspiration from the main lobby, plywood panels and can light fixtures were removed and replaced with gypsum board and panoramic panels. The warm glow of ring light fixtures, a defining feature of the main lobby, were brought into the space.

In homage to the level 9 spec suite we pared the space back to essentials, removing the coffered acoustical ceiling tiles and porcelain tile floor and exposing the structure. We then added ACT sparingly, and chose a modular carpet tile from the same collection as the flooring used in the spec suite. The process of starting with bare bones and being selective about where to add finishes mirrored our process in the office suite, and helped us achieve the same effect even when using more decorative elements.

Lastly, select devices and finishes that are regularly interacted with by users were switched out to tie the lobby to the newly updated elevator cabs. The elevator call buttons became a cool stainless steel, matching the buttons inside the cabs, and the hall lanterns brought the same light from inside the elevators to the landing where users would step out onto.