Description:

The two ideas that informed the design of this employee only space were 'Exploration' and 'Light'. Over the course of its existence the National Geographic Society has funded expeditions in the pursuit of knowledge, historically of our planet and its geography, subsequently 'inner space', our oceans, and more recently 'outer space', our solar system. In the course of these explorations it has not only acquired knowledge but become the premier global disseminator of it to a non scientific public with spectacular photography and entertaining stories through a variety of media.

Conceptually we proposed to transform this collection of windowless rooms into an explorers 'club' the place you return to upon completion of an expedition, relax and share stories of your discoveries. Elements of the room correspond to the Societies evolution in what and how it explores. A historical map of the world is acid etched into the floor, an ancient fossil is reproduced 100x its original size using modern CNC technology above the gigantic fireplace, a curio table provides a place to work but also to display items retrieved on expeditions, club seating abounds, a cafe/bar is located at the other end of the room. The room becomes an inviting relevant alternative place to work or socialize while reflecting upon the excitement, danger and glamour that is exploration, the heart of National Geographic.

On many levels light is central to the Society, knowledge is light, acquired and passed on, their famed photography is captured light, explorations of the solar system are explorations conducted in a light field. The room celebrates light. It is proposed to capture it with a heleostat; beaming light, that otherwise would not be able to enter the space through new skylights, it overcomes difficult day-lighting issues at the roof level . Natural sunlight, under scientific control, can now be present regardless of time of day. Special panels in the skylight manipulate it, projecting color and imagery onto the walls and floors while reminding club members of the electromagnetic spectrum and its role as an object of study and its importance in recording and documenting their work.