Since its founding in the late 1800s, the venerable Van Alen Institute has played an integral role in maintaining and furthering New York’s design-world dialogue. How could it not, with top names in architecture, decoration, and urbanism flocking to the think tank to brainstorm with their peers? Though its impact on the city’s skyline is impossible to measure, suffice it to say that it’s been significant. And this December, the nonprofit looks to expand its reach even further with the unveiling of a new street-level space in New York’s Flatiron District.

Though the Van Alen Institute has long occupied an upstairs space in the same building, the organization’s executive director, David van der Leer, felt that a ground-floor presence would allow for better engagement with the public—and so a contest was hosted to determine who would design the space.

The winning firm, Collective LOK, devised a serene and flexible layout for the multipurpose expanse, which will host lectures, multimedia installations, and workshops, as well as private meetings. To this end, gleaming silver accordion walls and translucent screens were installed to create parcels of privacy without killing the collaborative vibe. All told, it’s a beautiful backdrop for both industry insiders and curious passersby to converse, problem-solve, and dream up the future of design together.

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