Systems Strategy

Architects tend to be good at conceptualizing space and how it’s used—and filmmakers are adept at visualizing time. So for DF&A, finding new, smarter ways to organize activities within built spaces is a perfect fit. We’ve worked with clients to pinpoint the intersection of their spatial constraints and their client needs and to develop strategies to make the most of their resources, from WeWork’s Kit of Possibilities and Media + Arts to the furniture systems of the Aloft hotels.

KIT OF POSSIBILITIES

Danny Forster & Architecture
Danny Forster & Architecture

For WeWork HQ we developed an ambitious prototype reimagination and expansion of their offerings we called the Kit of Possibilities, an infinitely flexible, scalable system for use (and rental) of interior space. We defined and categorized a kit of parts that can mix and match to lay out every  use, program, size, and type of work that WeWork supports. 

Danny Forster & Architecture
PARTS OF THE KIT

"Parts" are categorized by what people do in the space: rest, work, or assemble. These general categories correspond to certain types of spaces: rest is for a bedroom or hotel room, for example. Within the larger category is a more specific use: “assemble” for what? Performance? Ceremony? Worship? And finally there’s the question of occupancy. How many people does the space need to accommodate? All of this information can be conveyed with clear icons and simple notation. 

Danny Forster & Architecture
VARIATIONS ON THE PARTS
The notation system reflects what’s happening in the space generally, what people are doing there more specifically, and how many people are doing it, all of which together dictate the type and size of the space. We end up with clear notation symbols like AC.32 = Assembly Space (for) Celebrating (for) 32 people.
Danny Forster & Architecture
Danny Forster & Architecture
Danny Forster & Architecture
Danny Forster & Architecture
Danny Forster & Architecture
Danny Forster & Architecture
Danny Forster & Architecture
Danny Forster & Architecture
Danny Forster & Architecture
Danny Forster & Architecture
Danny Forster & Architecture
Danny Forster & Architecture
Danny Forster & Architecture
A USER FRIENDLY APPROACH TO SPACE PROGRAMMING & SPACE LAYOUT

In our user-friendly interface, clients can make spatial decisions based on current programming needs and instantly see real-time changes to the model, improving efficiency and increasing creativity in design.

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WEWORK MEDIA + ARTS

For WeWork HQ, we developed a new community-based offering for creatives in which discrete units of studio and storage space can be leased according to need and membership type, for both production and for events programming. We call it Media + Arts.

Danny Forster & Architecture
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FURNITURE SYSTEMS

Danny Forster & Architecture

Designing furniture is a bit like designing time: how do people spend the different moments of their day? And what do they need to do that best? For ALoft we developed an ambitious prototype with furniture systems that can be deployed worldwide across a diverse range of hotels.

Danny Forster & Architecture
CUSTOM DESIGNED FURNITURE THAT MAKES A BRAND STATEMENT

Our custom-designed Aloft furniture is stylish and striking enough to serve as a statement of brand, but flexible and utilitarian enough to work across different layouts, for all kinds of uses. We moved away from rigid, single-use built-ins to create singular pieces that can be reconfigured for multiple purposes. Our banquette, for instance, does triple duty with check-in waiting, cocktail lounging, and breakfast dining, and can be reconfigured for different hotel layouts. Our dividing screen in the guestrooms that do headboard and vanity mirrors.


Danny Forster & Architecture
Danny Forster & Architecture
Danny Forster & Architecture
Danny Forster & Architecture