Cambridge Innovations
Cambridge, Mass.
ADD Inc.

Flexibility is well served with no fixed elements

© Lucy Chen

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Cambridge Innovations, a venture capital firm assisting in the development and commercial launch of Internet-based businesses, needed to house its operations and as many as twenty start-ups. The company's desire for an architecture that fosters flexibility, ingenuity, and economy was expressed in this four-part design solution—client incubators, shared spaces, conference rooms, and executive offices all work in concert to satisfy these primary requirements.

To maximize adaptability, cells are constructed as highly mobile environments with virtually no fixed elements. Sliding translucent walls between cells allow clients to utilize several adjacent bays or to reduce down to one cell. Within each cell, subzones are created with transparent welding curtains and soffits. To maximize natural light and satisfy the client’s desire for visual proximity and connectivity, translucent surfaces of polycarbonate sheets and laminate glass are used throughout the space.

The shared multipurpose room can be partitioned off or expanded for functions simply by moving a set of pivoting translucent walls. Twelve "data motels" can be used by individuals as live/work spaces. Each is wired for power, voice, and data, with translucent screens that can be folded open to create an impromptu two-person work area.

Formal name of building:
Cambridge Innovations

Location:
Cambridge, Mass.

Gross square footage:
18,000 sf

Owner:
Cambridge Innovations

Architect's firm:
ADD Inc.
210 Broadway
Cambridge, MA 02139