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Parsons School of Design

School of Design Strategies is located on the 9th floor of what's often called the "Parsons" building. Many floors of this building underwent spatial renovations, but this floor still lacked features that foster a sense of belonging, a characteristic of a thriving learning environment. The floor has been dimly lit in places and dull, with narrow hallways that made circulation feel constrained and isolating. Its muted palette of white and gray, along with furnishings that were inconducive to an active place, contributed to an uninviting atmosphere that felt more institutional than inspiring. Students and faculty alike often described the floor as unwelcoming, a space to pass through rather than a place to inhabit. This renovation sought to counter these conditions by introducing color, warmth, and flow that could transform the environment into one that fosters connection, creativity, and comfort.

Design Approach

The 9th floor redesign uses an interplay of color, graphics, and spatial rhythm to highlight themes of vitality, complexity, and connection. Sunlit yellows infuse the space with energy and optimism, while warm teal tones that are inspired by the natural world anchor the design. Rather than treating walls as static boundaries, color flows onto beams, corners, and unexpected surfaces to invite discovery and attentiveness ot overlooked architectural details.

Color & Atmosphere

The renovation began with a focus on transforming the atmosphere through color. A vibrant yellow was introduced ot brighten the space and infuse it with energy and warmth, creating an environment that feels both welcoming and uplifting. Complementing this, a rich teal anchors the overall design. Inspired by the natural world, this hue establishes balance and calm, grounding the liveliness of the yellow and connecting the space to organic, restorative tones.

Graphic Language

The space's visual identity was developed through a series of custom graphic patterns. Loosely inspired by themes of complexity, these environmental graphics reflect the vibrancy and interconnectedness of the School of Design Strategies community, whose members span a broad range of disciplinary backgrounds. The graphics celebrate the dynamic, layered relationships among students, faculty, staff, and ideas, and they serve as a visual metaphor for the collaborative nature of design education.

Flowing with Infrastructure

The graphics extend beyond walls, flowing around corners and across architectural planes. This approach links natural movement with the building's structure, integrating visual energy into the space's physical form. The result is a sense of continuity and rhythm that encourages exploration and connection throughout the floor.

Furniture, Art, & Nature

To enhance comfort and usability, new furniture was introduced ot better fit the needs of each area, including seating from Heller, and unnecessary furniture was removed. The addition of plants throughout the floor introduces living elements that contribute to a sense of well-being, and round safety mirrors increase accessibility along narrow hallways. Along with the addition of artworks from
The New School art collection, the 9th floor was transformed into a destination that is more inviting and adaptable for both work and relaxation.

Partner

School of Design Strategies
Parsons School of Design, The New School

MANY Design

Andrew Shea 

School of Design Strategies

Daphne Ballesteros
Molly Davy
Jeongki Lim
Camillo Lizarralde
David Marquez*
Mark Randall
Nyasia Thomas*
Gabriel Vanlandingham-Dunn
*featured in photos

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