June 2023 Newsletter: Solar Terrace, LPC Offices and Uptown Serenity

Summer is almost here, and so is our latest workplace design project.

Sustainable Terrace at Congregation Rodeph Sholom

Rooftops in New York City are an underutilized resource. Working with Congregation Rodeph Sholom, MBB is designing a 4,000-square-foot, 6th floor sustainable roof terrace and children’s play area to host a variety of events and programs. In addition, on the 7th roof level, we’re installing a 7,000-square-foot green roof shaded by PV solar panels – reminiscent of agrivoltaic systems used on farms – that is expected to produce 20–25% of the building’s electricity needs. This sustainable design feature aligns with the congregation’s mission.

Coming Soon: New LPC Hearing Room and Offices

In just a few months, NYC’s Landmarks Preservation Commission will move into spacious, light-filled offices spread across four levels of a Deco-era building in Lower Manhattan. MBB designed this target LEED-Silver, 44,000-square-foot renovation to provide a variety of flexible work environments, conference spaces, and a large public hearing room with an undulating ceiling that harnesses the daylight. Contemporary workplace design is one of our fastest growing areas of practice.

Sneak Peak of an Uptown Residential Aerie

Does serenity come from inside or outside? This calming Morningside Heights Apartment overlooking the Hudson River is a great place to contemplate such questions. Our client, a professional couple, wanted to downsize after raising a family. They asked MBB to design the interiors of their home to suit their new lifestyle, working closely with them at every step. Here’s a glimpse of the dining and living spaces on a moody spring day.

Bringing Everyone to the Table

In a feature interview on ARCAT’s “Detailed” podcast, MBB’s Jeffrey Murphy and Zach Poole reflected on fascinating stories from our 6-year renovation of Trinity Church Wall Street. “This was a massive endeavor,” host Cherise Lakeside observed. “MBB needed to bring everyone to the table and leverage all expertise.” Working with talented consultants and a great client, we accomplished much more than preservation and restoration. Want to know how? Listen to the podcast.

Talks on School Design, Sustainability, Adaptive Reuse, and Awards

Mary Burnham and Virginia Connor, head of St. Hilda’s & St. Hugh’s School, presented to school facilities and operations leaders at a conference of the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS), a K-12 education consortium.

Jeffrey Murphy participated in the University of Virginia School of Architecture’s Climate Transformations symposium, where he shared lessons learned from years of helping clients implement sustainable design strategies.

Mary Burnham served as a jury member for the 2023 SARA-NY Design Awards, joining an award panel moderated by Christian Bailey of Morris Adjmi Architects.

Taylor Aikin spoke on “Adaptive Reuse of Sacred Spaces” organized by Brooklyn Rail with the nonprofit Bricks and Mortals.