Metropolitan United Studio

04/04/2015

Cella: The client’s request was that the clinic design reflects its specialty, “personalized cell therapy”- a newly developed technology of transplanting skin cells enriched from adult cell therapy. We approached the design of the clinic holistically, much like the way a physician would treat a patient’s body as a whole. Thus, the overall design is a fluid expression of the human cell and its connective systems. Layers of undulating curves throughout the physically engaging space suggest the systemic formation and reparation of cells. Perforations in the main floating ceiling are an additional expression of a cell’s numerous characteristics.

The clinic is divided into three main areas: reception area, offices, and surgery rooms. Simultaneously, these spaces are unified by the perforated floating ceiling as well as by the use of materials. A custom-designed multi-functional lighting-shelving-shading device further unifies the interior space but also acts as a link to the exterior streetscape through the use of LED lights. This visual expression is most prominent at night and especially to pedestrians.

Identity and branding concepts were provided in conjunction with the design of the space. Items such as the clinic’s logo, typeface and main color scheme (pink and sky blue) were designed and then translated into different components of the clinic such as lighting and other building features.

Through various design elements, including the exterior signage and lighting, the organic pattern of the cells and the therapeutic function of the clinic are expressed on both the exterior and interior of the space.

04/04/2015

French Nails is a salon located at 1100 Adams Street in Hoboken, New Jersey. MUS served as the Interior Designer for this space. The salon is at the corner of the lot, located on the ground level of a residential complex. Small in square footage, the challenge was to fit the program within the space efficiently. To enhance and maximize the use of the space, bright color palettes and materials were used to create an atmosphere of simplicity and serenity. An accent wall in the center of the space utilizes Bamboo, as it climbs up the entire height of the wall and seamlessly connects to the ceiling. Frosted glass is used to provide the user with a more open, airy atmosphere.

French Nails was completed on July 28, 2008.

04/04/2015

Beauty Channel Headquarter is a 4,200 SF office located within a 30,000 SF warehouse footprint. Beauty Channel is a major distributor of fashionable hair pieces and accessories. Our client’s programmatic requirements included conference rooms, offices, workstations, and amenity areas. The design utilizes vibrant colors and industrial materials within a contemporary aesthetic to market the company’s young and dynamic brand image. Transparency is emphasized to bring light into the space and to encourage open collaboration among the employees. A “lounge” concept is introduced through the use of casual reception/ break-out areas. This concept is reinforced through the addition of gallery spaces staggered throughout the office to allow moments of reprieve or reflection to break up the formal work routine.

MUS is responsible for the design of the headquarter office and served as the Architect of Record for the building. MUS coordinated with the Buildings Department and the client to clear various building violations from the previous owner prior to the start of construction.

04/04/2015

Located in New York City’s trendy Tribeca neighborhood, Salaam Bombay is a 4,200 sq.ft., two-story Indian Cuisine restaurant. The overall concept is to provide an authentic traditional feel expressed through contemporary design. Although each level of the restaurant has different programmatic requirements, both share a common palette of earth-tone colors, materials and textures.

The restaurant’s ground level is designed to reflect the diverse cultures within Bombay, India. This is primarily achieved by creating multiple dining areas that are adjacent and open to one another: a main dining space, private banquet lounges, and a semi-private dining room. Each of these areas is given a distinctive identity through the use of different materials, colors, and custom-built display cases for traditional Indian artifacts.

At the lower level, the program calls for a dance floor as well as private party dining capabilities. For this level, Indian dance and movement act as the underlying design concept. In addition to specific materials and lighting levels, a feature media wall and media screens are the focal points of the lower level; the screens not only display dance and choreography images but are installed in a configuration that emphasizes movement.

Overall, the design as well as the variety of spaces offers a unique and dynamic dining experience to all patrons.

Construction was completed in 2009.

04/04/2015

Metropolitan United Studio is the Architect of Record with Interior Design by Chris Chen for this 1,353 SF renovation, located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

Elegance and simplicity were the main design themes throughout. The bathrooms were completely renovated to reflect simple modern finishes and fixtures with accent-lighting. The kitchen was replaced with new laminated cabinetries, countertops, fixtures and modern appliances. The galley kitchen was reconfigured to a U-shaped kitchen with barrier free access. The old parquet wood tiled living spaces and bedrooms were replaced with wood flooring throughout to suggest a more contemporary sensibility. New air conditioning units also replaced the old units.

This apartment was completed in October 2010.

04/04/2015

Design Team:
Jason Kyungsan Kim, Principal, AIA LEED AP
Ethan Lu, Principal AIA IDEC LEED AP
Se Jung Kim, Designer

01/11/2015

This is the second clinic that MUS designed for the same client.

05/26/2014

http://www.nysid.edu/news-events/blog/faculty-and-alum-project-spotlight-ethan-lu-and-the-blue-olive-team

New York School of Interior Design Faculty and Alum Project Spotlight: Ethan Lu and The Blue Olive Team

04/30/2014

Blue Olive Market is a 3,700 SF Mediterranean Food Market located at 210 East 41st Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue. MUS is the Interior Designer and Architect of Record for this project. The market opened in January, 2014.

http://www.blueolivemarket.com/

Photos Copyright Ilir Rizaj Architectural Photography