Public Member Spaces Project at 1199SEIU Headquarters by David Adjaye

May 3, 2023May 5, 2023 architectures ideas 31 views

The Public Member Spaces project at the new 1199SEIU Headquarters by David Adjaye highlights the largest healthcare union’s principles and notable achievements.

Architects	Adjaye Association
Area	1,533 m2 / 16,500 ft2
year	2020
Manufacturer	1199 SEIU National Benefit Fund/ 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East
Lead Architects	Adjaye Association
Engineering	Robert Director Associates
Structure	Gilsanz Murray Stefuecek
City	New York
Country	USA

The Public Member Spaces project at the new 1199SEIU headquarters reflects the union’s principles and achievements. As the largest healthcare union in the United States, the design draws inspiration from the union’s politically active community and features a replicated Anton Refreigier mural in the lobby.

The space is unified with continuous ceramic tiled walls and barrel ceiling vaults. The central circulation void connects all four floors and showcases imagery and quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and James Oppenheim. Level 2 features the union auditorium and enrollment spaces with imagery and quotes celebrating Dr. King’s speech in 1968. Level 3 represents wellness, pension, and retirement, while level 4 represents training, employment, and healthcare, as called for by Mr. Oppenheim in “Bread and roses.”

The cohesive design of the space instills pride and positions the lobby as a central unifying force for the 1199SEIU community. The circular form of the design ensures that every entrance and exit encapsulates the inspiring evidence of history, making it a powerful symbol of empowerment.

Also Read: George Street Plaza by David Adjaye

This project showcases the union’s commitment to social justice and its history of activism. Notable figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and James Oppenheim are celebrated with imagery and quotes. The member-facing spaces instill pride and serve as a powerful symbol of empowerment.

In summary, the Public Member Spaces project at the 1199SEIU’s new headquarters is a testament to the union’s principles and achievements. The design highlights the accomplishments of notable figures and positions the lobby as a central unifying force for the 1199SEIU community.