The interior renovation of this former distribution warehouse focuses on creating a activity-based work environment through task-based and multi-functional spaces. The agile work space is designed to house the regional Information Technology division staff at a single location.

The design embraces industrial warehouse characteristics such as open ceilings with exposed concrete block walls, equipment, pipes and conduit.  Repurposing a building that already existed in Merck’s real estate portfolio provided efficiencies and cost savings, but also challenges.  Typical for a warehouse building of the 1970s, the space was devoid of windows. The only natural light in the space enters through skylights in the existing 22’ high roof decking. To distribute the natural light within the work space, trapezoidal prism-shaped fabric diffusers hang from the ceiling to filter and reflect light from the skylight above. The diffusers – constructed of white translucent celtic cloth, aluminum tubes and galvanized steel wire – are visually prominent and define primary collaboration spaces within the office.