HOK creates new design for Metro Center building.

A newly redesigned lobby and tenant floor public spaces for Metropolitan Center has been undertaken by the prominent architectural firm, Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum (HOK), to substantially reposition the building for new and existing tenants. The property, which is managed by CB Richard Ellis, is located in East Rutherford off Route 3.

HOK set as its goal the creation of a distinct and memorable lobby and public spaces to attract tenants and impress visitors to the building. The owner's vision called for a sophisticated, urban look that one associates with Manhattan office towers. The architect's solution introduced a new and streamlined interior architectural "envelope" of dramatic wall and flooring surfaces as well as improved lighting levels.

For the lobby wails, HOK selected a special onyx material from India, with a white coloration and gray and rust highlights. This is dramatically backlit, and becomes the centerpiece for the space. It can be seen at a considerable distance from the building and creates a "beacon-like" appearance.

The lobby flooring is comprised of stone in four colors, creating a carpet-like banding that defines pedestrian circulation. This is reinforced by the new ceiling light pattern running parallel, above.

HOK raised the height of the lobby vestibule by four feet, and maximized the overall light level in the lobby. A colorful abstract art program, featuring the work of contemporary New Jersey artists, adds the appropriate finishing touch to the design concept.

Rick Focke, Director of Design for HOK's New York office summarizes, "Our challenge was to differentiate Metropolitan Center from other buildings in surrounding suburban locations in this vital part of the New Jersey commercial building sector. This is an instance of how architectural design can enhance a building's image and marketability."